Best 5 Lentils And Ham Recipes

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**Lentils and ham**, a classic combination that has been enjoyed for centuries, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Lentils, a type of legume, are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, while ham provides a savory and salty flavor. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, from a simple one-pot meal to a more elaborate casserole. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, lentils and ham is sure to satisfy.

**In this article, we'll explore two delicious recipes for lentils and ham:**

**1. One-Pot Lentils and Ham:** This simple and straightforward recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine lentils, ham, broth, and seasonings in a single pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

**2. Lentils and Ham Casserole:** This more elaborate recipe creates a rich and flavorful casserole that is perfect for special occasions. Layers of lentils, ham, vegetables, and a creamy sauce are baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

LENTIL AND HAM SOUP



Lentil and Ham Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 boneless ham steak (about 3/4 pound), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 15.5-ounce cans lentils (do not drain)
1/2 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, turnips and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start browning, about 8 minutes. Add the flour and thyme; cook, stirring, until the flour is incorporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in 4 cups hot water until smooth.
  • Add the ham and the lentils with their liquid. Increase the heat to medium high and bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low so the soup is gently simmering. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the lentils are creamy, about 7 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baguette cubes; sprinkle with the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 7 minutes. Serve the soup topped with the croutons.

LENTILS AND HAM



Lentils and Ham image

Healthy, full of fiber and protein, and you can use as many vegetables as you like to make this thick rich stew to your liking. Feel free to use corned beef or smoked turkey in place of the ham in this recipe, if your dietary practices are such. You can even leave meat out altogether, but I would suggest a little extra olive oil...

Provided by Susan Feliciano

Categories     Bean Soups

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb dry lentils
1/2 lb chopped ham (or other meat)
2 clove garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 stalk(s) celery, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 oz can tomato paste
2-3 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 dash(es) liquid smoke seasoning (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Sort, wash, and cook lentils according to package directions. They do not require soaking. They are usually done in 40-45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir in the chopped ham (or other meat).
  • 2. While lentils are cooking, sauté garlic, onion, celery, and carrot in the olive oil, over medium-low heat, until soft. Set aside.
  • 3. When lentils are done, drain and reserve liquid. Stir tomato paste into 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid until smooth. Add this mixture, along with the sautéed vegetables, to the lentils and ham, and combine well. This is just to moisten the lentils so they are not dry, but not to make soup. If more liquid is needed, add in a little at a time until a rich stew is achieved. Bring to a boil and heat through to serving temperature.
  • 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adding Liquid Smoke seasoning enhances the ham flavor. Liquid Smoke is a vegan product and can be used to flavor the vegetarian version of this recipe.
  • 5. To make in your Crock Pot: ~ Sort and wash lentils, and place them in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables in the oil as in step 2, and add them to the slow cooker. Top with the ham. ~ Stir the tomato paste into 1/2 cup water, then add that to the slow cooker. Cover with fresh water to 3" above the level of the ingredients. ~ Cook on low power 3-4 hours (high, 2 hours). Check water level and add more if needed, as the lentils absorb the liquid. ~ When lentils are done, season with salt, pepper, and Liquid Smoke.

SLOW COOKER LENTIL AND HAM SOUP



Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup image

Come home at the end of the day to a richly spiced broth filled with lentils, ham and veggies. Pair it up with cornmeal muffins and you have a great meal!

Provided by queendiva1

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas     Lentil Soup Recipes

Time 11h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup dried lentils
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
¼ teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup water
8 teaspoons tomato sauce

Steps:

  • In a 3 1/2 quart or larger slow cooker combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham. Season with basil, thyme, oregano, the bay leaf and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth, water and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on Low for 11 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222 calories, Carbohydrate 26.3 g, Cholesterol 19.7 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 11.4 g, Protein 15.1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 1169.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

HAM AND LENTIL SOUP



Ham and Lentil Soup image

This lentil soup with ham is a combination of two soup recipes I came across and adapted. I often serve it for Sunday dinner, making enough so there are leftovers for my husband's lunch thermos. A bricklayer, he regularly works outside during winter. -Andi Haug, Hendrum, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 meaty ham bone
6 cups water
1-1/4 cups dried lentils, rinsed
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 to 3 carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, bring ham bone and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. , Remove ham bone. To broth, add the lentils, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until lentils and vegetables are tender, 30-40 minutes., Meanwhile, remove ham from bone; coarsely chop. Add the ham, sausage and parsley to soup; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 355mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

LENTIL HAM SOUP



Lentil Ham Soup image

One of my family's go-to recipes for using leftover Christmas ham. Enjoy with crusty French bread.

Provided by Arielle Darling

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Pork Soup Recipes     Ham Soup

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (32 ounce) carton low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup dried lentils
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Stir chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, lentils, garlic, and red wine vinegar together in a large stockpot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook at a simmer until the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir ham, mustard, salt, and pepper into the soup; continue cooking until the lentils are tender, 20 to 30 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.9 calories, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 5.4 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 693.8 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Lentils should be plump and not split, while ham should be fresh and flavorful. Organic vegetables are always a good choice.
  • Rinse the lentils well before cooking: This removes any dirt or debris.
  • Cook the lentils in a flavorful broth: Vegetable broth or chicken broth are both good options. You can also add herbs and spices to the broth for extra flavor.
  • Simmer the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape: This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
  • Don't overcook the ham: Ham is a delicate meat, so it's important not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become tough and dry.
  • Add the ham to the lentils towards the end of cooking: This will help to prevent the ham from overcooking.
  • Season the lentils and ham to taste: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
  • Serve the lentils and ham hot: Lentils and ham are best served hot, so they can be enjoyed immediately.

Conclusion:

Lentils and ham are a delicious and versatile combination that can be enjoyed in many different ways. This recipe is a great starting point for creating your own lentil and ham dish. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a meal that you and your family will love.

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