Hearty Lentil and Ham Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hearty lentil and ham soup, a comforting classic packed with rich, smoky flavor and wholesome ingredients. This nutrient-rich recipe combines tender green or brown lentils, savory diced ham, and an aromatic medley of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Enhanced with fragrant spices like thyme and smoked paprika, every spoonful delivers a burst of earthy goodness. Simmered to perfection in a robust chicken or vegetable broth, this one-pot wonder is not only easy to make but also ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a satisfying, protein-packed meal the whole family will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lentils, diced ham, bay leaves, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste as needed.
Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.2 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 250 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 15523 mg | 675% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 118.0 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.8 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.1 g | ||
| Protein | 149.4 g | 299% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 390 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 4190 mg | 89% | |
*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.
