Walter'S Legendary Lentil Soup
Walter's Legendary Lentil Soup offers hearty comfort with smoky ham, tender lentils, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a nourishing, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 6 oz. smoked ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 8 to 10 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 1 lb. lentils ⓘ
- 1 small dried red chili ⓘ
- pinch of dried savory, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato puree ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ham; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 6 cups of beef stock, lentils, dried red chili, and dried savory. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender but firm, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, peeled and diced carrots, and diced red bell pepper; stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir the vegetable mixture into the soup and add enough beef stock to cover the ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few slices of smoked sausage along with the ham. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock instead. You can also substitute the red chili with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you find the soup too thick, simply stir in more beef stock or water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Walter's Legendary Lentil Soup with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mary Jo's Chili for a hearty dinner spread. For added freshness, top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walter'S Legendary Lentil Soup contains roughly 910 calories, with 20g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1961mg per serving (85% 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 other types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, you can use different types of lentils, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Green or brown lentils are great alternatives, while red lentils will cook faster and break down more, resulting in a creamier texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked ham and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, for added nutrition and flavor. The balsamic vinegar will still add depth to the soup without the meat.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process and removing it before serving. You can also incorporate spices like cumin or smoked paprika for added warmth. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors significantly, making the soup even more delicious.
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).