Easy Lentil and Ham Slow Cooker Soup Recipe

Kathy is a busy mom of two teens who loves to cook tasty and simple food for her family and friends.

Easy, Tasty, Healthy

This easy-to-assemble, hearty slow cooker soup recipe is healthy, tasty, and a great way to use up leftover cooked ham from a holiday meal.

I made up this recipe when trying to come up with creative ways to use leftover ham after a big holiday meal. I do like traditional lentil soup, but find that many people find the brownish color a little off-putting—especially kids. The addition of diced tomatoes results in a more appealing reddish-colored soup, and the vitamin C in the tomatoes improves the absorption of the iron in the lentils.

Cook Time

Ingredients for Easy Lentil and Ham Slow Cooker Soup

• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (19 oz) lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked ham, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/3 red or yellow pepper, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1 tsp minced garlic, optional
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onions and red pepper in a small amount of olive oil over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Rinse and drain lentils.
3. Add lentils, ham, sautéed onions and peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice from a can) and chicken broth to the crockpot.
4. Sprinkle with pepper.
5. Stir lightly to mix and put the lid on the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve and enjoy. Top with grated parmesan or cheddar cheese, if desired.

Ingredients for ham and lentil soup

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Leftovers?

This soup makes a hearty and nutritious lunch and also freezes well. Freeze leftover soup in individual serving size containers for future lunches.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Lentils

• Good source of fiber, folate, protein, iron, B vitamins, magnesium
• Helps lower cholesterol
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Aids in digestion; may help prevent digestive disorders
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Provides energy
• May aid in weight loss (low-fat and low-calorie)

© 2012 Kathy Sima