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 Lentil and Ham Slow Cooker Soup
Kathy Sima, 2012
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-coloured soup, and the vitamin C in the tomatoes improves the absorption of the iron in the lentils.
Ingredients for Easy Lentil & Ham Slow Cooker Soup
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (19 oz) lentils, rinsed & 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
- Sauté onions and red pepper in small amount of olive oil over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Rinse and drain lentils.
- Add lentils, ham, sautéed onions and peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice from can) and chicken broth to crockpot.
- Sprinkle with pepper.
- Stir lightly to mix and put lid on slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
- Serve and enjoy. Top with grated parmesan or cheddar cheese, if desired.
Cook Time
| Prep time | Cook time | Ready in | Yields |
|---|---|---|---|
15 min | 3 hours | 3 hours 15 min | 6-8 servings |
Leftovers?
This soup makes a hearty and nutritious lunch and also freezes well. Freeze leftover soup in individual serving size containers for future lunches.
Leftover soup makes a quick and healthy lunch.
Kathy Sima, 2012.
| 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 |
Low fat and low calorie- may aid in weight loss |
© 2012 Kathy Sima
Comments on this recipe
Kathy Sima (author) from Ontario, Canada on April 30, 2012:
Thanks very much. I've often wished there was a delicious button too :)
Healing Herbalist from The Hamlet of Effingham on April 30, 2012:
Oooh, I love lentils. I use them in soup all the time. I shall have to try this one. Thanks for sharing. Voted up. I wish they would add a delicious button...lol.
Kathy Sima (author) from Ontario, Canada on April 22, 2012:
Thanks for stopping by alocsin. Glad you liked this recipe!
Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on April 22, 2012:
Lentils are one of my favorite foods so this sounds delicious. Voting this Up and Useful.
Kathy Sima (author) from Ontario, Canada on April 15, 2012:
Thanks very much Jen. I was happy with the way this soup turned out. I agree it is hard to grow wrong with the slow cooker - especially with comfort foods!
jenubouka on April 14, 2012:
Foods created in the slow cooker can only be great things! I love this combo of ingredients, true comfort food and very easy to make, Awesome job!
