Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup featuring tender lentils, savory diced ham, and a mix of vegetables slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs and smoky paprika. This easy-to-make, nourishing soup is perfect for cozy meals and requires minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham (diced)
- 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced ham, rinsed lentils, diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf into your slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours if you need it done sooner. Cook until the lentils are tender and the soup is fragrant and full of flavor.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaf from the soup as it has infused its flavor during cooking and should be discarded.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust before cooking.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If thicker soup is preferred, blend a portion of it and then stir back in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crockpot ham soup, lentil soup, slow cooker recipes, ham and lentils, easy soup recipe, comfort food
