Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This lentil ham bone soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend lunch. It's packed with protein, fiber, and tons of flavor, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced chefs. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 ham bone (about 2-3 pounds), leftover ham works great!
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 8 cups water or low-sodium broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ham Bone: If using a raw ham bone, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. If using leftover ham bone, simply remove any excess fat. Place the ham bone in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
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Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot along with the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour in the water (or broth) and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the ham bone is falling apart.
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Shred the Ham: Once the soup is cooked, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and set aside. Discard the bone.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded ham. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Lentil Ham Bone Soup:
- Bone Selection: For maximum flavor, choose a ham bone with a good amount of meat still attached.
- Lentil Variety: Brown or green lentils hold their shape well in soup, but you can experiment with other varieties.
- Broth Boost: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ham bone entirely and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian or vegan lentil soup. You can add other vegetables like potatoes or zucchini.
- Hearty Version: Add other vegetables like diced potatoes, turnips, or parsnips for a more substantial soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Nutritional values will vary depending on the ingredients used. This is an estimate using brown lentils and low-sodium broth:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fiber: 15-20g
This lentil ham bone soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s also great for meal prepping! Enjoy this easy recipe and the wonderful flavors of homemade cooking. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!