Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup! This hearty, American classic is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something rich and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of your time, you can create a deliciously creamy soup that serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Ready to discover how to whip up this delightful dish? Keep reading for the step-by-step guide that will have you serving up smiles in no time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, sorting through to remove any small stones or debris.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables become soft and the onions turn translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced ham to the vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to release its flavors and slightly brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Once lentils are cooked, reduce heat to the lowest setting and slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to become creamy and rich.
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lentils: While any lentils will work, green or brown lentils hold their shape better in soups, adding texture to your dish.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Don’t Skip the Cream: The heavy cream is what makes this soup luxuriously creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the richness will be less pronounced.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your vegetables and dice the ham the night before to save time on cooking day. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of your soup.
- Leftovers Love: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavors deepen as it sits. It also freezes beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy it later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
