If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal packed with flavor and warmth, this Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a beautiful blend of tender lentils, savory ham, and aromatic spices that come together to create a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a nutritious lunch, this soup delivers fantastic taste and that just-made feeling every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe are simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the final dish. From the sweetness of carrots to the smoky kick of paprika, every item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture you’ll love.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The perfect fat for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the base of this soup.
- 1 yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened, creating a flavorful foundation.
- 2 medium carrots (diced): Bring a gentle sweetness and lovely color to brighten the soup.
- 2 stalks celery (sliced): Adds a hint of earthiness and a slight crunch before simmering.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and a savory kick.
- 1½ cups dried brown lentils (rinsed): The hearty star ingredient that’s nutritious and wonderfully filling.
- 1½ cups diced cooked ham: Provides smoky, savory bites giving the soup its signature flavor.
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory base and ensures the soup stays light and not overly salty (use veggie broth for vegetarian option).
- 2 cups water: Helps balance the broth intensity and allows lentils to cook perfectly tender.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tsp cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the ham beautifully.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings smoky depth and a spark of color to the dish.
- ½ tsp pepper: Provides just a gentle heat to round out the spices.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy finish that lifts the soup’s flavors perfectly.
- 2 tbsp minced parsley: Freshens every spoonful with a pop of herbal brightness.
How to Make Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and mingle for about five minutes. This step builds the flavorful base that carries through the entire soup. When the onion turns translucent and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until it releases its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Simmering the Soup
Next, add the rinsed lentils, diced ham, chicken broth, water, and all your spices—salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and everything is melding together in delicious harmony. This usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour, turning simple ingredients into heartwarming magic.
Step 3: Final Touches
Once the lentils are perfectly tender, turn off the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar along with the minced parsley. This step brightens up the soup and adds a touch of freshness. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Your Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe is now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic, but don’t stop there! A drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt can add layers of flavor and creaminess, making each bowl feel extra special. Crusty bread crumbs toasted with garlic butter also make a delightful crunchy topping.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a light slaw to bring some crispness alongside its hearty richness. For something more filling, warm slices of rustic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of that luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a cozy dinner party, present each bowl with a toasted baguette slice resting on the side or topped with melted cheese. You could even turn this soup into a thick stew and serve it alongside roasted root vegetables for a truly comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next bowl even better than the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup on hand for longer, it freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thawing it slowly in the fridge overnight preserves its lovely texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate texture of the lentils and ham.
FAQs
Can I use green or red lentils instead of brown lentils?
Absolutely! Green and brown lentils hold their shape well and work best for this soup’s hearty texture. Red lentils tend to break down more, which creates a softer, more stew-like consistency. Feel free to experiment based on your texture preference.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. While you won’t get the smoky bite from the ham, the smoked paprika helps add that depth of flavor, making it just as satisfying.
Can I use leftover ham from a holiday dinner for this soup?
Definitely! Using leftover ham is perfect and actually makes this soup a great way to reduce food waste. Just dice it up and add it in the same way to infuse the lentils with those smoky, savory notes.
How thick should the soup be?
This Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still have plenty of broth to enjoy as a soup. If it thickens too much after refrigeration, just add a bit of broth or water when reheating.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Sauté the aromatics first as described, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils and vegetables are tender. Add the vinegar and parsley right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe is simply one of those dishes that makes a house feel like a home. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and just plain delicious. Give it a try the next time you want a bowl of comfort that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor—you won’t regret it!
Print
Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ham and Lentil Soup that combines tender lentils, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables. This comforting soup is seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, finished with red wine vinegar and fresh parsley for a perfect balance of taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried brown lentils (rinsed)
- 1½ cups diced cooked ham
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (for a vegetarian option omit ham and use vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (more to taste)
- 2 tbsp minced parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and sliced celery. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Lentils, Ham, and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced cooked ham, chicken broth, water, kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar and minced parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty ham and lentil soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Rinsing lentils before cooking helps remove impurities and reduces any earthy taste.
- Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar to suit your taste preference for acidity.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
