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Slow Cooker Smoky Lentil and Ham Soup

Slow Cooker Smoky Lentil and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty soup combines tender lentils, smoky ham, and vibrant vegetables, creating a deliciously rich flavor that warms both body and soul. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll be greeted by an inviting aroma that promises satisfaction with every spoonful. Enjoy it as a cozy meal or serve it at family gatherings for a heartwarming dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. In your slow cooker, combine lentils, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes (with juice), ham hock, broth, spices, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Once cooked, remove the ham hock to shred the meat off the bone and return it to the pot.
  6. Stir well before serving hot with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: - To make vegetarian: Omit the ham hock and use smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for flavor. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.