Hearty Lentil and Ham Soup

Warm up with a bowl of hearty lentil and ham soup, a comforting classic packed with rich, smoky flavor and wholesome ingredients. This nutrient-rich recipe combines tender green or brown lentils, savory diced ham, and an aromatic medley of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Enhanced with fragrant spices like thyme and smoked paprika, every spoonful delivers a burst of earthy goodness. Simmered to perfection in a robust chicken or vegetable broth, this one-pot wonder is not only easy to make but also ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a satisfying, protein-packed meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, 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, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lentils, diced ham, bay leaves, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste as needed.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3275.9 grams (3275.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1630

Total Fat 62.20g	80%
Saturated Fat 14.80g	74%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 250mg	83%
Sodium 15523mg	675%
Total Carbohydrate 118.00g	43%
Dietary Fiber 35.80g	128%
Total Sugars 34.10g
Protein 149.40g	299%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 390mg	30%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 4190mg	89%

*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: 34.4%

Protein: 36.7%

Carbs: 29.0%