Very easy to prepare, this ham and lentils soup makes a hearty and very tasty meal. The type of ham (or bacon if you want) is key to the success of this soup. We advise which may be best for you.
110g / 4oz of chunky cooked ham (see Advice section below for alternatives)
170g / 6oz split red lentils (see Advice section below for alternatives)
2 carrots
2 medium sized onions
3 stalks of celery
Small tin of tomatoes (225g / 8oz)
1½ litres / 2.7 pints of chicken or vegetable stock
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley plus a few sprigs to garnish
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chop the ham into small bite sized chunks
Wash the celery stalks, then finely chop
Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic.
Top and tail the carrots then slice.
Place the onions, carrots and celery in a large frying pan and pour in the oil. Fry on a medium heat for 12 minutes stirring and turning the ingredients often.
Frying vegetables for Lentil and Ham Soup
Transfer the ingredients to a large pan and add the stock, lentils, garlic and tomatoes. Stir everything well and simmer for 50 minutes.
Taste the cooked soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Now add the cooked ham, stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
Cooking Lentil and Ham Soup
Serve the soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle in the chopped parsley.
Decorate with a sprig of parsley and serve with some chunky bread. This will make a substantial meal for four persons when served with crusty bread.