If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious and easy to make soup, you’ve come to the right place. This ham sausage and lentil soup recipe is a real crowd pleaser that will warm you up on even the coldest of days. Trust me, I’ve been making this recipe for years and it never disappoints.

The combination of savory smoked ham, spicy sausage, and earthy dried lentils creates a rich and satisfying flavor that will leave you wanting more. Plus, this recipe is loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, onions, and fresh thyme that will help keep your body fueled and healthy.

Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few staple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can have this soup on the table in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat.

So why not give this ham sausage and lentil soup recipe a try? I promise you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

My dear foodies, do you crave a comforting bowl of soup that is both hearty and healthy? Well then, you’ll absolutely adore this ham sausage and lentil soup recipe, which is perfect for all those chilly evenings when you need some warmth and comfort.

What makes this soup stand out is the combination of two types of meat that creates a delicious savory flavor that will leave your taste buds asking for more. The smoked ham adds a salty and smoky aroma, while the sausage infuses a spicy and flavorful note that makes this soup unique.

But let’s not forget about the other ingredients! The lentils provide a great source of protein, which makes it an excellent choice for vegans or vegetarians who want to increase their protein intake. The vegetables such as onion, carrot, tomato and green pepper add essential nutrients like vitamins A and C to make it even healthier.

The spices, thyme, cumin, and bay leaf allow the flavors to shine through with their gentle kick of heat. They help boost your immunity and digest rhythm by stimulating the digestive enzymes in your stomach.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It requires minimal prep work because most of the cooking process occurs in one pot. Just simmer everything together over low heat until it’s perfectly done. You don’t need an arsenal of kitchen tools to whip up this delicious hearty soup!

So what are you waiting for? This delicious soup recipe deserves a place in your kitchen! Once you try it out yourself you’ll wonder why you hadn’t discovered this sumptuous recipe sooner!

Ingredient List

“Get cozy with a bowl of this hearty ham and lentil soup!”

Here is the ingredient list for the Ham Sausage & Lentil Soup recipe:

Soup Base:

1 pound of smoked ham with bone, finely chopped
1 pound garlic-flavored sausage (like kielbasa), sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup dried lentils (any kind)
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional:

Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Carrots, peeled and cubed

Keep in mind that substitution is the key to make any recipe suit your preferences. I’ll give you some substitutions and variations in the next section.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

Start by sorting and rinsing 1 pound of dried lentils.
In a large stockpot, add the lentils and 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to low. Let it simmer for an hour or until the lentils are soft.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop 1 large onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 green pepper, 1 stalk of celery, and 2 carrots.
In a pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender.

Step 3: Brown the Ham and Sausage

Slice 1 pound of smoked ham into bite-sized pieces. Cut 1 pound of garlic-flavored sausage (such as kielbasa) into rounds.
Heat up another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add in the sliced ham and sausage rounds, cook until browned on both sides.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Once the lentils are cooked, add in the cooked vegetables, ham, and sausage into the large stockpot.
Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, a teaspoon of ground cumin, a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, and a bay leaf.
Pour in 2 cups of water to loosen up the soup mixture.
Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.

Then turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Spoon your sausage-lentil soup into bowls while still hot.

Serve with crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to cooking, sometimes you just don’t have all the required ingredients on hand. Fear not, for this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your pantry.

Substituting the sausage: If you’re not a fan of pork sausage or spicy sausage, feel free to swap them out for another variety such as turkey, chicken or even vegetarian sausages. You can also switch up the type of sausage used in this recipe like using chorizo instead of kielbasa.

Using a different protein: If you’d like to change up the protein in this lentil soup, consider using diced chicken or tofu cubes instead. For a more hearty option, add some potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Vegetable alternatives: This recipe calls for onions, carrots, and green pepper but you can use substitutes if they aren’t your favorite vegetables. Try using chopped mushrooms, bell peppers or zucchinis as alternatives.

Herbs and Seasoning Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, dried thyme can be substituted. Other herbs like rosemary or oregano can be used as well. If you want to add a little kick to your soup, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder instead of ground cumin.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, consider adding Lentil Stew with Sausage and Kale, Soup with Ham Bone or Carrabba’s Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup. These variations will give your lentil soup a contrasting flair that will tantalize your taste-buds in exciting ways.

No matter what changes you decide to make to this recipe, it’s guaranteed to taste delicious and please everyone at the table!

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious ham sausage and lentil soup, there are many options available. If you’re looking for a simple and satisfying meal, serve the soup with some crusty bread or a salad on the side. The bread will help sop up the flavorful broth, while the salad adds some freshness and crunch to the meal.

For those who want something a little more substantial, consider serving the soup with some grilled or roasted vegetables. The sweetness of caramelized onions and peppers pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and ham flavors in the soup. You can also add some greens like kale or spinach to get more vitamins in your diet.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, top each bowl of soup with a small handful of shredded cheese or croutons. This not only adds flavor and texture but also contributes calcium to your daily intake.

As for drinks, a glass of red wine is a classic pairing for a hearty meal like this one. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will complement the rich ham and sausage flavors in the soup perfectly. Alternatively, beer enthusiasts may want to try their favorite brews alongside this recipe.

No matter how you choose to serve it up, this ham sausage lentil soup is sure to impress your family and guests with its warm, comforting flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Nothing beats the convenience of make-ahead dishes, and this ham sausage and lentil soup recipe is no exception. After you’ve made a big batch for dinner, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat the soup, it’s recommended to thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. You can reheat on stovetop or microwave. Simply transfer portions of the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it starts simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.

Another option is to use a slow cooker which is a great way to keep the soup warm and ready-to-serve. You can also prepare ingredients ahead of time making this soup a perfect choice for meal prepping.

Just keep in mind that some ingredients such as sausage, kale or vegetable tend to soften when reheated so storing them separately from the soup before reheating may be ideal if you want to maintain their texture.

No matter which method you choose, this soup is sure to taste just as delicious reheated as it was fresh off the stove.

Tips for Perfect Results

It’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully to achieve the best results, but here are a few additional tips that can take your Ham Sausage & Lentil Soup to the next level:

1. Soak your lentils: Before cooking your dried lentils, soak them in water for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly.

2. Add fresh herbs at the end: While thyme and bay leaves are added early on in the recipe, consider reserving some fresh thyme to add at the end for a burst of flavor.

3. Use flavorful sausage: Choosing a well-seasoned sausage like kielbasa or spicy Italian sausage can add depth and complexity to your soup.

4. Try different types of ham: If you have access to smoked ham hock, Portuguese chouriço, or even prosciutto ends, don’t be afraid to use them in place of traditional ham. They’ll bring their own unique flavor profiles to the soup.

5. Cook slowly: While you can certainly make this Ham Sausage & Lentil Soup in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, opt for a large stockpot if you can and let it simmer low and slow for an hour or two. This will give all the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create an even more delicious and memorable bowl of soup that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

Before concluding this recipe article, I want to address some frequently asked questions that may arise when preparing ham sausage & lentil soup. These questions cover a range of topics from ingredient substitutions, to cooking equipment preference, and tips for making the perfect pot of soup. So, let’s dive in and get the answers to those burning questions!

Do I need to rinse lentils before making soup?

When dealing with fresh lentils, it is important to first give them a good rinse to clear out any unwanted impurities that might be lurking amidst the beans. Additionally, when preparing your soffrito, it is crucial to ensure that all your vegetables are chopped up to the same size. This is to make sure that they all cook evenly and do not end up with an inconsistent texture. No one wants to bite into a mushy piece of celery or a crunchy carrot!

How do you spruce up lentil soup?

Enhance the flavor of your dish with some simple yet effective additions. Consider a touch of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked pepper for a subtle kick. Drizzle some oil for a richer taste and aroma. Add a chiffonade of fresh herbs such as basil to brighten the flavors. For a creamy texture, add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream. You can also toss in oyster crackers or crumbled saltines for some crunch. To take it up a notch, sprinkle some seeds, chopped nuts, or grated salty cheese like parmesan. These small but mighty additions can transform your dish and leave a lasting impression.

Can you overcook lentil soup?

Cooking lentils to perfection requires precision to avoid a mushy and unappetizing dish. It’s important to note that different types of lentils have varying cooking times. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 1/2 cups of water or broth for every cup of lentils to ensure they cook evenly.

Why is my lentil soup bland?

Lentils are incredibly versatile due to their lack of inherent flavor. They act as a clean canvas, absorbing any taste that comes their way. However, this can also work against them, resulting in a rather insipid dish. To avoid this, I recommend adding aromatic seasonings to the lentils’ cooking water or opting for a chicken or vegetable broth rather than plain water. By doing so, you can infuse the lentils with a savory depth that will elevate any recipe.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this recipe for Ham Sausage & Lentil Soup is a must-try for any soup lover! With the combination of lentils, smoked ham, and sausage, this soup will warm you up on even the coldest of days. The recipe is versatile with many ingredient substitutions and variations so you can customize it to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and store for later. Don’t forget to try pairing this soup with a crusty baguette or some homemade cornbread. So, put on your apron and get ready to create a hearty and flavorful soup that is sure to become your new favorite comfort food!

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Tony

Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.

Hearty & Delicious Ham Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe