Fabulous Ham Bone and Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Fabulous Ham Bone and Lentil Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Crafted with nutrient-rich green or brown lentils and simmered low and slow alongside a meaty ham bone, this soup delivers a robust and smoky depth of flavor. Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed with a fragrant mix of garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, while a base of chicken or vegetable broth ensures every spoonful is rich and satisfying. The tender lentils and shredded ham meld beautifully into a thick, protein-packed dish that's both wholesome and filling. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and pair it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal. With simple pantry staples and just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is the ideal way to make the most of leftover ham and turn it into an unforgettable one-pot meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 piece ham bone with some meat attached
• 1.5 cups dry green or brown lentils
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 0 salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set them aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Place the ham bone into the pot, followed by the rinsed lentils, bay leaves, chicken or vegetable broth, and water.

Step 6

Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 90-120 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the lentils are tender and flavors have melded together.

Step 8

Once the simmering is complete, remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then pick off any remaining ham meat, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup.

Step 9

Taste the soup and add salt as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the ham bone and broth.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 11

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3437.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1256.1

Total Fat 47.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 119.0mg	0%
Sodium 9660.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.5g
Protein 94.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 372.8mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 3278.2mg	0%

*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: 33.9%

Protein: 30.1%

Carbs: 36.0%