Ham lentil soup has been my go-to comfort food for as long as I can remember, especially during those chilly autumn evenings. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a thick, smoky broth brimming with tender lentils and savory ham. I first learned how to make this dish from my aunt, who always used a leftover ham bone to infuse the soup with an unparalleled depth of flavor. The aroma that fills my kitchen when this slow cooker ham lentil soup is simmering is simply divine – a mix of earthy lentils, sweet vegetables, and that irresistible smoky ham essence. You’ll absolutely love how easy it is to throw together! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ham Lentil Soup

This ham lentil soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s ridiculously easy to make. You’ll be singing its praises after the first bite!

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the work. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Incredible Flavor Depth: The combination of smoky ham, earthy lentils, and aromatic vegetables creates a truly savory experience.
Budget-Friendly & Filling: Lentils are inexpensive and packed with protein, making this a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with fiber from the lentils and vitamins from the vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This easy ham lentil soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Versatile for Everyone: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or those wanting a different protein, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Cozy Comfort Food: It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day, offering a taste of home with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Ham Lentil Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this wonderfully savory dish. Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty lentil soup with ham:

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the liquid base that carries all the delicious flavors
2 ½ cups diced cooked ham – or use a ham bone lentil soup bone with extra meat attached for deeper flavor
2 ½ cups dried lentils rinsed (green or brown recommended) – these are the stars, providing texture and protein
1 medium onion diced – for a sweet, aromatic foundation
3 carrots peeled and diced – adding sweetness and vibrant color
3 stalks celery diced – for that classic soup base aroma
3 cloves garlic minced – because every good soup needs garlic!
15 oz canned diced tomatoes – they add body, a touch of acidity, and help thicken the soup
1 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb that pairs beautifully with ham
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – this is key for that smoky depth, even if you’re not using a ham bone
½ teaspoon dried oregano – another staple herb for savory soups
½ teaspoon ground cumin – adds a subtle warmth and earthiness
2 bay leaves – for subtle aromatic complexity
¼ teaspoon black pepper – a little spice to round things out
Salt to taste – always add this at the end!
Fresh parsley for garnish – for a pop of freshness

Ham Lentil Soup: 1 Deliciously Cozy Recipe - Ham Lentil Soup - additional detail

Ham Bone Lentil Soup

If you have a leftover ham bone, using it for your ham lentil soup is a fantastic idea! It adds an incredible depth of smoky flavor and a little extra meat that makes the soup even heartier. Just toss the bone in with the other ingredients, and then remove and shred any remaining meat before serving.

Key Flavor Boosters

The magic in this ham lentil soup really comes from a few key players. The smoked paprika is crucial for that signature smoky taste, especially if you aren’t using a ham bone. Dried herbs like thyme and oregano provide a classic savory backbone, while a touch of cumin adds a subtle, earthy warmth that complements the ham beautifully. For more information on the benefits of herbs and spices, check out this guide.

How to Make Ham Lentil Soup

This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, especially if you’re using a slow cooker. It’s truly one of the easiest ways to whip up a comforting bowl of this hearty soup. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Slow Cooker Ham Lentil Soup Method

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Rinse your dried lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Dice your onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Dice your cooked ham, or prepare your ham bone.
Step 2: Add the rinsed lentils, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, diced ham (or ham bone), canned diced tomatoes (undrained), low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper directly into your 6-quart slow cooker insert.
Step 3: Give everything a good stir to combine all the wonderful ingredients. Make sure the lentils are submerged in the liquid. The aroma starting to build is amazing!
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on the high setting for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened beautifully, creating a truly savory ham and lentil soup.
Step 5: If you used a ham bone, carefully remove it from the slow cooker once the cooking time is up. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and the bay leaves.
Step 6: Stir the soup well. Now is the time to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt as needed. Remember, the ham and broth already contain salt, so it’s best to season at the end.

Tips for Achieving the Best Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your ham lentil soup is simple with a few tricks. If your soup seems too thick after cooking, don’t worry! Just stir in an additional ½ to 1 cup of hot broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked lentils against the side of the slow cooker with your spoon, or simply leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking time to allow some liquid to evaporate. This helps create that wonderfully rich, hearty texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham Lentil Soup

I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help you achieve that perfect, comforting bowl every single time.

For an extra layer of smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or using a smoked ham hock alongside your diced ham.
Don’t skip rinsing your lentils! It removes any dust or debris and helps them cook more evenly.
Always taste and adjust salt at the very end. The saltiness of your ham and broth can vary significantly.
A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice right before serving can really brighten up the flavors.

What’s the secret to perfect Ham Lentil Soup?

The secret to a truly perfect bowl lies in using a good ham bone for maximum flavor infusion, and not overcooking the lentils. A touch of acidity at the end also makes all the difference.

Can I make Ham Lentil Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic candidate for make-ahead meals. Prepare it completely up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day! For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Lentil Soup?

A common pitfall is adding salt too early, which can make the soup too salty due to the ham. Another mistake is overcooking the lentils, turning them mushy. Also, ensure you rinse your lentils well before adding them.

Best Ways to Serve Ham Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but serving it with the right accompaniments makes it even more special. I love pairing this savory ham and lentil soup with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping into that rich broth. A piece of warm, slightly sweet cornbread is also a fantastic choice, offering a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. For a lighter option, serving it over a bed of fluffy rice can make it stretch even further and adds another layer of comfort. You might also enjoy these side dish pairings.

Nutrition Facts for Ham Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying and healthy choice. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delicious ham lentil soup:

Calories: 376 kcal
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 20 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 681 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the saltiness of your ham and broth. For more information on the nutritional benefits of lentils, see Harvard’s Nutrition Source.

How to Store and Reheat Ham Lentil Soup

One of my favorite things about this ham lentil soup is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, let the soup cool down to room temperature for about an hour before transferring it to airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for grabbing a quick lunch or a ready-made dinner! If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, this is a great one.

If you want to make a big batch to enjoy over a longer period, freezing is your best bet. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen by simmering it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. This easy ham lentil soup is just as delicious days later!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Lentil Soup

What is Ham Lentil Soup?

Ham lentil soup is a hearty, comforting stew made by simmering lentils and pieces of ham (often from a ham bone or leftover ham) with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth. It’s known for its thick texture, savory taste, and satisfying, protein-rich nature, making it a popular choice for a filling meal.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?

Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian version of this hearty lentil soup with ham, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can boost the umami and depth of flavor by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or even a bit of nutritional yeast. The smoked paprika is still key to mimicking that savory, smoky essence. For more vegetarian options, explore these recipes.

How do I make this soup thicker?

There are a few easy ways to thicken your ham lentil soup. For a naturally thicker texture, you can mash some of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot with your spoon. Another effective method is to simply remove the lid from your slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If you need to thicken it quickly on the stovetop, you can also stir in a cornstarch slurry or a bit of tomato paste.

Variations of Ham Lentil Soup You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize your soup! Whether you’re looking for a faster meal, an even smokier flavor, or a heartier dish, there’s a variation for you. These tweaks make this already beloved ham lentil soup even more versatile.

Quick Ham and Lentil Soup

To speed things up, consider using pre-cooked lentils or canned lentils (rinsed well). You can also dice your vegetables smaller so they cook faster. Using leftover shredded ham that’s already cooked helps immensely, cutting down on prep and cook time for a truly quick ham and lentil soup.

Smoked Ham Lentil Soup

For an intensely smoky flavor, use a smoked ham hock or a piece of smoked bacon in addition to or instead of diced ham. A few drops of liquid smoke can also amplify that deep, smoky essence. The key is really leaning into the smoky elements for a robust smoked ham lentil soup experience.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ham

If you love a really thick and substantial soup, try adding extra vegetables like diced sweet potatoes or parsnips. You could also add a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for even more protein and texture. This approach ensures a truly hearty lentil soup with ham that feels like a complete meal. For other hearty meal ideas, check out this birria taco recipe.