Lentils with Ham and Rosemary

Warm, hearty, and bursting with rustic flavor, this Lentils with Ham and Rosemary recipe is the perfect comfort food for cool evenings or cozy gatherings. Packed with protein-rich green or brown lentils, savory ham, and aromatic hints of fresh rosemary, this one-pot meal strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. A medley of sautéed vegetables—onion, carrot, and celery—forms the base, while garlic and bay leaf add layers of depth to the rich broth. Simmered to perfection in chicken or vegetable stock, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and pair with crusty bread for a complete meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd, this lentil recipe is a comforting classic with a gourmet twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1 medium, diced celery stalk
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 8 ounces, diced ham
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold running water and set them aside to drain.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Tie the rosemary sprig with kitchen twine if desired (to make it easier to remove later) and add it to the pot along with the bay leaf.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Stir in the lentils, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

Step 9

Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf from the pot.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1683.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	941.8

Total Fat 44.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.2g
Cholesterol 22.7mg	0%
Sodium 5747.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 99.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.1g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 39.9g	0%

Vitamin D 9.1IU	0%
Calcium 201.4mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 2164.4mg	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: 41.9%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 41.5%