Lentil Soup with Ham Hough is one of those cozy, hearty meals that seems to wrap you in warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s the perfect dish for chilly days or when you need something filling and satisfying. The soup combines the earthy richness of lentils with the savory depth of ham hough (also known as ham hock), making it a great choice for anyone craving something both delicious and nutritious.
Not only is this soup incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The ham hough brings a smoky, slightly salty flavor that enhances the broth, while the lentils soak up all that goodness, making each bite a little burst of flavor. And let’s not forget the bonus of how easy it is to make – it’s all about letting the ingredients simmer together to create that deep, satisfying flavor.
If you’ve never tried this combination before, or even if you have and want to perfect it, I’m about to walk you through everything you need to know to make this soup an unforgettable part of your meal rotation.
Lentil Soup With Ham Hough Recipe
This recipe is about as simple as it gets, and yet it results in a deeply flavorful, comforting bowl of soup. It requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, but the results are anything but basic. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, this lentil soup is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients Needed
To create the best lentil soup with ham hough, you don’t need much – just a few key ingredients that together create an amazing depth of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
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1 Ham Hough (Ham Hock)
This is the star ingredient of the soup. The ham hough adds rich, savory, and smoky flavor to the broth. You can use a smoked or fresh ham hock, depending on your flavor preference.
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2 Cups Lentils
Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe. They hold their shape while cooking, absorbing the flavors of the broth without becoming too mushy.
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1 Large Onion
The onion forms the base of the flavor profile, adding a slight sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham.
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3 Carrots
Carrots bring a natural sweetness and color to the soup. You’ll chop them into small chunks so they soften and meld into the broth.
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3 Celery Sticks
Celery adds an aromatic, earthy note, providing depth to the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
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4 Garlic Cloves
Garlic is a must in any soup. It enhances the savory quality of the broth and adds a fragrant kick.
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1 Bay Leaf
Bay leaves are great for adding subtle, herby flavor that simmers into the soup as it cooks.
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1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Thyme has a slightly peppery, earthy taste that complements the ham and lentils beautifully.
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6 Cups Chicken Or Vegetable Broth
The broth serves as the base for the soup and helps to extract the flavors from the ham hough and vegetables.
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Salt And Pepper
These are your essential seasonings. Since the ham hough is quite salty, you’ll want to season to taste, adjusting as you go.
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Olive Oil (for Sautéing)
You’ll use a little oil to sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, which helps bring out their flavors before simmering.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, here’s how to put everything together for a rich, satisfying pot of lentil soup with ham hough.
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by washing the lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside.
- Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften. This step helps release the flavors into the oil, which will make the soup even more aromatic.
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Add The Ham Hough
- Push the vegetables to the side and add your ham hough to the pot. Let it brown slightly, turning it in the pot for a minute or two to help release the smoky flavor.
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Add Lentils And Broth
- Now, add the lentils and chicken broth to the pot. Make sure the broth covers the ingredients; if it doesn’t, you can add a little water.
- Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the ham hough is easy to shred with a fork.
- As it simmers, the flavors will meld together, and the ham hough will release its savory goodness into the broth.
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Shred The Ham
- Once the ham is tender and the soup is cooked, carefully remove the ham hough from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat off the bone.
- Add the shredded ham back into the soup, stir well, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot, with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the hearty, rich flavors and savor every spoonful!
Ingredient Insights
- Ham Hough: This cut is often overlooked but is ideal for slow-cooked soups and stews. It’s relatively inexpensive and packs in tons of flavor. The bones are essential as they infuse the broth with a deep, savory taste that would be hard to replicate with just ham or bacon.
- Lentils: Lentils are full of protein and fiber, making them a great meat alternative for vegetarians or those looking to eat more plant-based meals. Plus, they cook quickly, which is why they’re a perfect match for soups like this one.
- Carrots and Celery: These classic aromatics are the backbone of so many soups and stews. They add subtle sweetness and earthy undertones, balancing the richness of the ham and the smokiness of the broth.
Expert Tips
- Soaking Lentils: Unlike other dried legumes, lentils don’t require soaking. However, if you want to reduce the cooking time even more, you can soak them for about an hour before cooking.
- Adjusting Salt Levels: Because ham hough can be quite salty, be cautious when adding salt to the soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning toward the end to avoid over-salting.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors continue to develop as it sits in the fridge, so consider making it a day ahead of time and reheating it when you’re ready to serve.
- Refrigeration and Freezing: This soup stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tweak the recipe, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Greens: Spinach, kale, or collard greens can be added toward the end of cooking for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: If you like a bit of heat, toss in a few red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the other vegetables.
- Smoky Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, sauté a few strips of bacon with the vegetables before adding the ham hough. It’ll add another depth of flavor to the broth.
Final Words
Lentil Soup with Ham Hough is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy meals that are not only nourishing but also packed with layers of savory flavors.
The combination of smoky ham, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables creates a soup that’s hard to beat. And the best part? It’s one of those meals that gets better with time, meaning leftovers are always a welcome treat.
FAQs
What Is A Ham Hough, And Why Is It Used In Lentil Soup?
A ham hough, also known as a ham hock, is a cut of meat from the lower part of a pig’s leg. It is commonly used in soups and stews for its rich, smoky flavor and tender meat, which adds depth to the broth in lentil soup.
Do I Need To Pre-soak Lentils For Lentil Soup With Ham Hough?
No, you don’t need to pre-soak lentils for lentil soup. Lentils cook fairly quickly compared to other dried beans, and soaking is not required. However, rinsing lentils before use is recommended to remove any debris.
What Types Of Lentils Work Best For Lentil Soup With Ham Hough?
Green or brown lentils are the best choices for lentil soup with ham hough. These types hold their shape well during cooking, providing a hearty texture to the soup. Red lentils can also be used but will break down more, creating a thicker, mushier soup.
Can I Make Lentil Soup With Ham Hough In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make lentil soup with ham hough in a slow cooker. Simply add the ingredients (lentils, ham hough, vegetables, broth, and seasonings) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the ham hough is easily shredded.
How Can I Make Lentil Soup With Ham Hough Vegetarian Or Vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ham hough with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. You can also use vegetable broth and add additional herbs like thyme or bay leaves to enhance the flavor profile.
Should I Remove The Ham Hough Before Serving The Soup?
Yes, it is common to remove the ham hough after cooking to allow the meat to be shredded and returned to the soup. This ensures that the meat becomes tender and infuses the soup with its smoky flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Lentil Soup With Ham Hough On The Stovetop?
Lentil soup with ham hough typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on the stovetop. This includes time for simmering the lentils and ham hough until the lentils are tender and the ham hough is fully cooked.
Can I Freeze Lentil Soup With Ham Hough?
Yes, lentil soup with ham hough can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Lentil Soup With Ham Hough?
Some good side dishes to serve with lentil soup include crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
What Seasonings Are Typically Used In Lentil Soup With Ham Hough?
Common seasonings for lentil soup with ham hough include garlic, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and salt. Smoked paprika is often added for an extra smoky flavor, and some recipes include a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the richness.