This Hearty Slow-cooker Ham & Lentil Soup Recipe Is a Keeper by Jan Mostrom

My family loves having a honey ham for the holidays, but I've always given a friend the bone to make soup. This year I decided to try make my own homemade soup using a ham bone, and I'm a huge fan now! The smoky and salty ham bone combined with the lentils and vegetables makes this such a filling and satisfying soup recipe that you'll want to make it anytime you have leftover ham (or buy one so you do!).

To make this slow-cooker lentil soup recipe you will need dried lentils, chicken broth, a meaty ham bone or chopped ham (or both!), celery, carrots, onion, garlic, a bay leaf, black pepper, dried thyme and fresh parsley for serving.

Serve this hearty lentil soup for lunch or dinner with a chunk of hot, crusty bread. Don't you just love soup season!?

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (high) or 6 to 8 hours (low)
Total Time: 5 to 8 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 20 ounces dried lentils (about 3 cups), rinsed well 
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water (see Recipe Notes)
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups leftover ham (or both)
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Helpful Products

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Soup Bowls
• Salt and Pepper
• Airtight Containers
• Pepper Grinder

Recipe Notes

• You can make this soup recipe with dried split peas instead of lentils.

• If your lentils or peas are in a 16-ounce container, don't add the 2 cups of water.

• Use less liquid for a thicker soup.

• If cooking for four hours on high in the slow cooker, soak lentils overnight in clean water. Drain and rinse before using. No need to soak if they are cooking for more than four hours.

• If you want thinner soup add more broth or water. If you want thicker soup cook the last hour with the lid off.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker (not the parsley).
   
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Remove the bay leaf and ham bone. Taste and add salt and pepper, if needed.
   
3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley on top, if desired, and enjoy!
   

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 327

Total Fat: 3.3g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 14mg

Sodium: 577mg

Total Carbohydrate: 49.5g

Dietary Fiber: 23.8g

Total Sugars: 3.9g

Protein: 24.7g

Vitamin D: 0mcg

Calcium: 76mg

Iron: 6mg

Potassium: 1012mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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