Hearty Lentil and Ham Soup Recipe

Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade lentil and ham soup. Packed with nutritious lentils, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, this soup is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It's easy to make and makes for a satisfying meal on a chilly day. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham hock or leftover ham bone
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the dried lentils, ham hock or ham bone, bay leaf, chicken or vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock or ham bone from the pot. Discard any excess fat or bone, and shred the ham into small pieces. Return the shredded ham to the pot.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Interesting Facts