Smoked Ham And Lentil Soup
A hearty, smoky ham and lentil soup packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or cozy gatherings. Rich, flavorful, and nutritious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort the lentils, then rinse well and drain.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, combine all soup ingredients including lentils, ham shank or bone, carrots, onions, barley, leek, thyme leaves, and lemon peel.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until lentils are tender but not mushy and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves and lemon peel.
- Remove the ham shank and let it cool slightly.
- Remove the meat from the bones and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chopped meat back into the soup.
- Cook until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the finished soup. If you don’t have lentils, you can substitute with split peas. Use any leftover ham from a holiday meal to enhance the taste. To save time, pre-chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Ham And Lentil Soup contains roughly 463 calories, with 16g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dry?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. If using canned, drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
What can I serve with this soup?
This smoked ham and lentil soup pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Phil'S Baco Dip or a cheese platter.
How do I know when the lentils are cooked?
Lentils are done when they are tender but still hold their shape. They should not be mushy. Check them after 30 minutes of simmering, and continue cooking until they reach your desired texture.
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).