Hearty Ham and Lentil Vegetable Soup
Warm up your cold evenings with this delicious and nourishing Hearty Ham and Lentil Vegetable Soup. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and tender pieces of ham, this soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The hearty broth, infused with the rich essence of ham hock and complemented by stewed tomatoes, creates a comforting meal that is both satisfying and healthy. Ideal for sharing with family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe caters to your taste buds while providing essential nutrients.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 quart (liquid)
ham hock
1 small (whole)
dried lentils
2/3 cup (rinsed and drained)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
ham
1/2 cup (chopped)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (spice)
stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (whole)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine chicken broth, ham hock, dried lentils, chopped onion, carrot, celery, chopped ham, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2
Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the lentils to soften.
3
During the last 45 minutes of cooking, add the stewed tomatoes to the mixture for added depth and sweetness.
4
Once finished cooking, carefully remove the ham hock and discard it. Shred any remaining ham from the hock and return it to the soup.
5
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Lentil Vegetable Soup?
It is a nourishing, protein-rich soup featuring lentils, vegetables, and ham, slow-cooked in a hearty broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients for this lentil soup?
The main ingredients include chicken broth, ham hock, dried lentils, onion, carrot, celery, ham, and stewed tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cooking?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a slow cooker.
How long does the soup need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should cook on the high setting for 4 to 6 hours.
When should I add the stewed tomatoes?
Add the stewed tomatoes during the final 45 minutes of the cooking process.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required; simply rinse and drain the dried lentils before adding them to the slow cooker.
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving contains about 12.5 grams of protein.
What is the purpose of the ham hock in this recipe?
The ham hock is used to infuse the broth with a rich, smoky flavor and provide extra tender meat.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein and packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Can I make this soup spicy?
The recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, which you can increase if desired.
What should I do with the ham hock after cooking?
Carefully remove it from the soup, discard the bone/fat, shred any remaining meat, and return that meat to the pot.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
A serving contains about 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this lentil soup?
There are approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even water with bouillon as a substitute.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion, carrots, celery, and ham should all be chopped into small, even pieces.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Absolutely, this hearty soup is ideal for making in large batches and portioning out for the week.
What type of lentils are used?
The recipe calls for dried lentils, typically brown or green lentils which hold their shape well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ham and ham hock and use vegetable broth instead.
What seasoning is required?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not explicitly defined, the ingredients typically yield a standard soup bowl portion for 4-6 people.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, kale, or potatoes would make great additions to this soup.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, lentil soup freezes very well in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot.
Does the soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, lentils tend to absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a side salad, or crackers.
Can I use canned lentils?
If using canned lentils, add them toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
What if I don't have a ham hock?
You can substitute with a ham bone or extra chopped smoked ham to maintain the flavor profile.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe focuses on savory ingredients and contains very little natural sugar from the vegetables.