Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe For Delightful Eating Experience

by Julia
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September 6, 2023

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Savor the harmonious blend of velvety creaminess and rustic heartiness with our Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe. Tender chunks of ham and wholesome lentils unite, creating a comforting embrace in every bite. Drizzled with a hint of herbs and spices, this soup is a heartwarming fusion of nostalgia and gourmet delight. Dive into a bowlful of love, where tradition meets indulgence, and every spoonful is a hug for the soul.

Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup is more than a meal; it’s an experience. With tender chunks of ham and wholesome lentils, this dish embodies comfort. Each spoonful reveals layers of flavor, thanks to a rich blend of herbs and spices.

The texture is velvety, and the taste is unforgettable. This soup is a symphony of taste that resonates in the mouth. It’s perfect for a chilly day or when you need something to warm your soul.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary delight, as Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup is ready to be your next favorite dish. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s a choice that satisfies every palate.

What Is Creamy Ham And Lentil Soup?

Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup is a comforting dish that combines succulent ham and nourishing lentils in a rich, velvety broth. Infused with herbs and spices, it offers a flavorful experience that warms both body and soul.

Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup serves as a satisfying entrée or an elegant appetizer. It’s not just food; it’s a taste of home in every spoonful.

Can You Vary Creamy Ham And Lentil Soup With Other Ingredients?

Keto Replace lentils with lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower, and use full-fat cream.
Paleo Opt for almond milk instead of half-and-half, and use nitrate-free ham.
Gluten-Free Ensure the broth and ham are gluten-free; most natural ingredients should comply.
Whole30 Omit the dairy using coconut milk, and choose Whole30-compliant ham.
Vegetarian Replace ham with a meat substitute or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
Vegan Substitute ham with mushrooms for a meaty texture, and use vegan-friendly cream alternatives and vegetable broth.

Recipe Directions

Prepare Lentils: Rinsing and soaking them for an hour, then draining them. This step helps soften the lentils and reduces cooking time.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a bit of olive oil in a pot and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they release their fragrant aroma. This forms the flavorful base of the soup.
Introduce Broth: Add your choice of broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. The broth provides the liquid base and essential flavor for the soup.
Cook Lentils: Put the soaked and drained lentils into the simmering broth. Allow them to cook until they become tender. This step infuses the lentils with the flavors of the broth.
Add Ham: Incorporate diced ham into the simmering soup. Let the ham cook and merge its savory essence with the lentils.
Simmer Further: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures that the ham imparts its taste to the soup and that all the flavors meld together.
Creamy Touch: Stir in half-and-half to create a creamy and indulgent texture. Gently warm the soup to the desired serving temperature.
Seasoning: Season the soup with appropriate seasonings to enhance the overall taste. This step brings out the flavors and balances the dish.
Serving: Serve the Creamy Ham and Lentil Soup while it’s hot. The harmonious blend of ingredients creates a satisfying and comforting meal.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Swap ham with smoked turkey or sausages.
Use various lentil types for different textures.
For vegan versions, replace ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms.

Add-Ons

Stir in spinach or kale for added greens.
Incorporate roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for sweetness.
Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Toppings

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Sprinkle it with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Add crunchy croutons or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a gourmet finish.

Can I Make Creamy Ham And Lentil Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Sauté Ingredients: In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients: Add soaked and drained lentils, broth, and ham to the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.
Final Steps: Stir in the diced ham, half-and-half, and season to taste. Heat for an additional 15-20 minutes before serving.

Instant Pot

Sauté Ingredients: Using the sauté function, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Add the soaked and drained lentils, broth, and ham.
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on manual high pressure for 15-20 minutes.
Release Pressure: Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth: Convenient and time-saving, store-bought broth comes in various flavors and qualities. Opt for a low-sodium, organic option if available, to control salt content and ensure better taste.
Homemade Broth: Making your own broth allows for customization and a richer, more nuanced flavor. You can utilize leftover ham bones, vegetables, and herbs to create a personalized base for the soup.

How To Serve?

Warm Bowls: Serve in pre-warmed bowls to keep the soup hot longer.
Complementary Sides: Accompany with crusty bread or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal.
Serve Promptly: Soup is best served immediately after cooking to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
Offer Condiments: Provide additional salt, pepper, or special condiments like chili flakes on the side for personalized seasoning.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread: Freshly baked or grilled bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs to enhance the earthy tones of the lentils.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses with crackers or bread adds a gourmet touch.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and steamed for a healthy and elegant side.

Storage And Make Ahead

Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base and cook the lentils and ham in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
Storage: Cool the soup and ingredients completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup base gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add cooked lentils and ham just before serving to maintain their flavors and textures.
Cream Separation: Add cream or milk just before serving to prevent it from curdling.
Garnish Fresh: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream upon serving to enhance flavor and presentation.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Reheat and Enjoy: Reheat and enjoy as a quick meal, adding fresh garnishes for a new twist.
Blend into a Dip: Blend into a thicker consistency and serve as a dip with crackers or bread.
Use as a Sauce: Reduce further and use as a flavorful sauce over cooked meat or vegetables.
Create a Casserole: Combine with cooked pasta, and cheese, and bake as a comforting casserole.
Add to a Stew: Mix with additional vegetables and meat for a hearty stew.

TIPS

Ham Flavor: Use smoked ham for a rich, savory flavor that enhances the soup.
Lentil Choice: Opt for green or brown lentils, which hold their shape well and add texture.
Creamy Base: Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture without adding heavy cream.
Aromatics Boost: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter for a flavorful base.
Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.