Hearty Ham and Spinach Lentil Stew
Warm up your cold winter days with this wholesome Hearty Ham and Spinach Lentil Stew. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, this dish combines tender diced ham, protein-packed lentils, and a medley of colorful vegetables including carrots, celery, and onions. The addition of fresh baby spinach not only elevates the dish's vibrant appearance but also adds a lush, nutrient-rich element. Infused with garlic, oregano, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this stew will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, it's a comforting dish you can enjoy any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ham
3 cups (diced)
dried lentils
2 cups (rinsed)
carrots
2 cups (diced)
celery
2 cups (diced)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
water
4 cups (as is)
chicken broth
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans (as is)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (as is)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
baby spinach leaves
1 (6 ounce) bag (washed)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
lemon slice
for garnish (as is)
Instructions
1
In a 3 1/2-quart or larger crock pot, combine the diced ham, dried lentils, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, water, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
2
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 7 to 9 hours, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
3
Once the lentils are tender, add the baby spinach leaves to the stew. Stir gently to combine, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
4
Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Mix well and serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Spinach Lentil Stew?
It is a wholesome, slow-cooked stew made with diced ham, lentils, carrots, celery, onions, and fresh baby spinach, seasoned with garlic and oregano.
What equipment do I need to make this stew?
You will need a crock pot or slow cooker that is at least 3.5 quarts in size.
How long does it take to cook on the High setting?
The stew takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to cook on the high setting in a crock pot.
How long does it take to cook on the Low setting?
On the low setting, the stew requires 7 to 9 hours of cooking time until the lentils are tender.
When should I add the baby spinach to the stew?
Add the baby spinach leaves once the lentils are tender, then cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
Fresh lemon juice is stirred in at the very end to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the stew.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dried lentils that have been rinsed.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 cups of diced ham.
What vegetables are included in the base of the stew?
The base includes diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What liquids are used as the stew base?
The cooking liquid is a combination of 4 cups of water and two 10.5-ounce cans of chicken broth.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is used to season the stew.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before putting them in the crock pot?
No, you can combine all the main ingredients directly in the crock pot and stir until evenly mixed.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty stew is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need one 6-ounce bag of washed baby spinach leaves.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the stew with lemon slices if desired.
Is this stew considered a winter dish?
Yes, it is specifically described as a dish to warm up cold winter days.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much onion should I chop?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much carrot and celery is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced carrots and 2 cups of diced celery.
Is the ham pre-cooked?
The recipe uses diced ham, which is typically pre-cooked, making it very convenient for slow cooking.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the primary protein source in this stew?
The protein comes primarily from the diced ham and the lentils.
Does the stew have a vibrant appearance?
Yes, the addition of fresh baby spinach and colorful vegetables gives the dish a vibrant appearance.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is designed to be cozy and satisfying.
How many ingredient items are there in total?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged for 'healthy eating' due to the nutrient-rich vegetables and fiber-filled lentils.
Should the lentils be cooked before adding to the crock pot?
No, use dried lentils; they will cook and soften in the crock pot with the other ingredients.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be made in a crockpot.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir in the lemon juice and mix well before serving hot.