1 Hour Smoky Ham and Lentil Soup
Warm up in just one hour with this hearty and flavorful Smoky Ham and Lentil Soup. This comforting recipe combines the robust flavors of diced ham, tender green or brown lentils, and a smoky kick from paprika and optional ham hock for an extra depth of flavor. Loaded with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and simmered to perfection in a savory broth, this soup is a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s easy to throw together on busy weeknights. Ready in just 60 minutes, it’s the ultimate balance between nourishment and indulgence. Serve it piping hot and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal preps, this smoky ham and lentil soup is bound to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked ham hock (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme, stirring to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Add the lentils, diced ham, bay leaf, and broth to the pot. If using the smoked ham hock, add it at this stage.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used). Shred any meat from the ham hock and return it to the soup, discarding the bone.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your smoky ham and lentil soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.3 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 57 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 2588 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.9 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 87 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 875 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
