Ham and Lentil Soup Oamc

Warm, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavors, Ham and Lentil Soup OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Packed with protein-rich lentils, savory diced ham, and aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, this soup is simmered to perfection in a rich broth infused with thyme and bay leaves. The optional ham bone adds an extra depth of flavor, making every spoonful irresistibly delicious. This freezer-friendly recipe is ideal for meal prep—you can easily store portions for up to three months and reheat them for a cozy, homemade dinner in minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch, and enjoy this wholesome, satisfying soup that’s as convenient as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed and drained
• 2 cups ham, diced or shredded
• 1 bone ham bone (optional, for added flavor)
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup 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 the onions are translucent.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, diced ham, ham bone (if using), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Step 6

Once the soup is cooked, carefully remove the ham bone (if used) and discard it. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Allow leftover soup to cool completely before dividing it into freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 9

To serve from frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3109.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1651.7

Total Fat 64.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 286.1mg	0%
Sodium 15918.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 99.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.3g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 162.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 295.6mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 3465.7mg	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: 35.8%

Protein: 39.9%

Carbs: 24.4%