Old Fashioned Lentil Soup
Hearty and comforting, this Old Fashioned Lentil Soup features tender lentils enriched with smoky ham flavor and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, it offers a nourishing blend of savory, sweet, and peppery notes that appeal to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot or pressure cooker.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until lentils are tender (about 30 minutes in a pressure cooker).
- Remove the ham bone from the soup.
- Strip off bits of meat from the ham bone and return them to the soup.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Serve the soup with 2 tablespoons of vinegar on top.
- Optional: Serve with croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or celery to enhance texture and flavor. If you're out of ham, smoked turkey or bacon can serve as a flavorful substitute. Make sure to rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any debris. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don’t forget the vinegar at serving for a bright finish.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Lentil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with croutons for added crunch. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation. It also goes well with dishes like Corinne'S Famous Pea Salad for a delightful lunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup freezes well too; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Lentil Soup contains roughly 447 calories, with 26g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1668mg per serving (73% 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 canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Simply drain and rinse them, then add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming mushy and allows them to absorb the flavors of the soup.
What can I substitute for the ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, smoked turkey wings or even diced ham can add a similar depth of flavor. For a vegetarian option, add a few tablespoons of soy sauce or liquid smoke for that smoky taste without the meat.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of water. Enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added depth.
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).