Lentil Soup Ii
Lentil Soup II is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender lentils with smoky ham hock and aromatic herbs. The rich broth is enhanced by vegetables, garlic, and spices, making it a perfect comforting meal for cool days or when craving something nourishing and savory.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown lentils
- 8 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, diced ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 pound smoked ham hock ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coriander ⓘ
- 1 cup cream ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a soup pot, combine lentils, beef stock, chopped onion, diced carrot, diced celery, ground cloves, black pepper, chopped parsley, thyme, and smoked ham hock.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook, covered, for 35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the ham hock and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have beef stock, vegetable stock works well, though it will alter the taste slightly. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and replace it with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a slice of cornbread pie for a hearty dinner. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of cream on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional stock to loosen the soup, as it may thicken in the fridge. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Soup Ii contains roughly 813 calories, with 19g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2901mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
While brown lentils are recommended for their texture, you can use green lentils as a substitute. However, avoid red lentils, as they cook faster and will become mushy in this recipe.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, adding more or less based on the desired heat level.
Can I freeze lentil soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).