Ham and Lentil Stew

Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Ham and Lentil Stew, a comforting one-pot meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfectly seasoned with fresh thyme, bay leaf, garlic, and a hint of black pepper, this stew combines tender green lentils with savory diced ham and a medley of sautéed vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onion. Simmered to perfection in a rich broth, the optional addition of a ham bone infuses even more depth of flavor. Ready in just over an hour, this easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's the ultimate comfort food for chilly days!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 1 piece ham bone (optional, for flavor)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, diced ham, and the optional ham bone to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf, thyme sprigs, black pepper, and salt.

Step 6

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 7

Simmer the stew for 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Remove the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs from the pot before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2766.9 grams (2766.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1784

Total Fat 71.90g	92%
Saturated Fat 19.10g	96%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 369mg	123%
Sodium 15842mg	689%
Total Carbohydrate 86.40g	31%
Dietary Fiber 24.30g	87%
Total Sugars 27.10g
Protein 185.60g	371%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 297mg	23%
Iron 14mg	80%
Potassium 3845mg	82%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 42.8%

Carbs: 19.9%