Name: Classic Lentil Soup (with Ham Bone)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 28, 2026

This Lentil and Ham soup recipe is my top choice for cold-weather comfort food. It's simple to prepare, wholesome, hearty, and comforting, using leftover ham, dried lentils, and just a few common ingredients.

Classic Lentil Soup (with Ham Bone) cover

From the Cook

1/7

Classic Lentil Soup (with Ham Bone)

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add carrots, celery, and onion with 1 teaspoon salt; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes more.

Add broth, tomatoes, lentils, ham bone, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Remove ham bone and bay leaves. Shred remaining ham, return to the pot.

Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm with crusty bread.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Ham Bone Magic 🦴
Roast the ham bone briefly before adding to the soup to intensify its smoky flavor and release deeper, more complex umami notes.
Lentil Prep Perfection 🥄
Rinse green lentils thoroughly and perform a quick 10-minute soak to reduce cooking time and remove any potential debris.
Aromatic Layer Building 🌶️
Toast spices like cumin and coriander in the pot before adding liquid to unlock their essential oils and create a more robust flavor profile.
Texture Control 🥣
For a creamier soup, blend 1-2 cups of the cooked lentils before returning them to the pot, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
Acid Balance 🍋
Add fresh lemon juice at the very end of cooking to brighten the soup and cut through the richness of the ham bone.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.