Hearty Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly comforting and incredibly delicious lentil soup with ham. Whether you prefer the speed and efficiency of your Instant Pot, the traditional charm of a stovetop simmer, or the convenience of a slow cooker, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to any method. It’s the perfect solution for transforming any leftover ham recipe from holiday meals into a hearty, wholesome dinner, or simply an excellent way to enjoy ham any time of the year. Dice up fresh ham or use a savory ham hock to infuse this soup with deep, rich flavor.

If you’re on the hunt for the best leftover ham soup, your search ends here. This recipe delivers a satisfying, nourishing, and budget-friendly one-pot meal that can be easily adapted to be vegetarian, simply by omitting the meat. We’ll guide you through making this an easy Instant Pot recipe, while also providing clear instructions for preparing it on your stovetop or even in a slow cooker, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Lentil Soup with Ham

Lentil soup is a timeless classic, celebrated for its robust flavor, incredible nutritional value, and remarkable ability to warm you from the inside out. When combined with the savory, smoky notes of ham, it transforms into an unforgettable meal. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about simplicity and smart cooking.

Our journey into delicious lentil soups began with a foundational Instant Pot red lentils recipe. While those were delicious as a simple side, adding vibrant vegetables and savory ham elevates it to a truly exceptional main course. It’s an ideal choice for an effortless Valentine Dinner Idea, a cozy weeknight meal, or a fantastic way to utilize holiday leftovers.

Don’t wait for a holiday to enjoy this fantastic soup! You can easily make this year-round by grabbing a ham steak from your local grocery store. Dice it up, throw it in, and savor this hearty soup even in the middle of summer. After all, soup for dinner is always a great idea in our book!

Understanding Lentils: Types and Preparation

Lentils are an incredible source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a nutritious staple in many cuisines. There are several types of lentils, each with unique characteristics that affect cooking time and texture. Understanding these differences can help you achieve your perfect soup.

Do You Need to Soak Lentils?

One of the many beauties of cooking with lentils is that, unlike many other legumes, they generally do not require soaking before cooking. This makes them a fantastic “dump and go recipe” ingredient. A simple rinse under cold water to remove any debris is usually all that’s needed before adding them to your pot. The same principle applies when making dry pressure cooker beans – no soaking necessary!

Choosing the Right Lentils for Soup

When it comes to lentil soup, red, brown, or green lentils all work wonderfully, though they do offer slightly different results.

• Red lentils: These cook the fastest and tend to break down more, resulting in a creamier, softer soup with a slightly yellow hue when done. Ideal if you prefer a smoother consistency.
• Brown lentils: A common choice, they hold their shape reasonably well and offer a robust, earthy flavor.
• Green lentils: As seen in some of our images, green lentils hold their shape best after cooking, providing a distinct texture. They have a slightly peppery flavor.
• Black lentils (Beluga lentils): These are the firmest and most visually striking, holding their shape very well and offering the most nutritional value. They take a bit longer to cook but are worth it for their texture and rich flavor.

Preventing Overcooked Lentils: Texture is Key

Yes, lentils can be overcooked in soup! If they cook too long, they can lose their distinct shape and become a complete mush, similar to our Instant Pot split pea soup. While some people prefer this very smooth consistency, many enjoy a bit of texture in their lentil soup.

Achieving the perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture is a fine balance and often comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a soup with some bite, err on the side of a slightly shorter cooking time. For example, in a pressure cooker, 30 minutes for 1 cup of lentils with sufficient liquid is often ideal to prevent them from becoming too soft while still being perfectly tender. You’ll notice in our photos that the lentils maintain some of their structure, which is exactly what we aim for.

Keep in mind that when reheating leftovers, the lentils will continue to soften significantly as they absorb more liquid. This is entirely normal and they will still taste amazing, even if the texture changes.

Master Your Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Ham

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for preparing delicious, wholesome meals quickly. This appliance transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. The high-pressure environment tenderizes lentils and infuses ham flavor deeply throughout the broth, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.

Essential Instant Pot Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, we have a wealth of easy one-pot meal recipes. Here are a few basic tips to help you get started with confidence:

• Make sure to Bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We add new ones each week to inspire your cooking!
• For a handy reference, print this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It will help you understand how long various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
• We highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot.
  • While it’s good to know how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick pot significantly reduces the chances of food sticking and burning, making cleanup a breeze.
• For reference, the model we use for all our recipe creations is a 6-quart Instant Pot, which is perfect for most family meals.

Ninja Foodi Lentil Soup: A Versatile Approach

If you own a Ninja Foodi, you can absolutely make this delicious lentil soup with ham. The process is very similar to using an Instant Pot, utilizing the pressure cooking function. Remember to use the appropriate pressure cooking lid (the one that is not attached) for this method.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few core ingredients. From there, you have complete freedom to customize. Feel free to double the vegetables if you wish, just remember that more solids will mean slightly less liquid initially. This can always be adjusted later with additional broth – broth is cheap, after all!

We often use broth as our liquid base, as it infuses additional flavor. You can also add bay leaves for an aromatic touch; just remember to remove them before serving. And of course, salt and pepper are given, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonings of your choice.

Classic Stovetop Lentil Soup: Simplicity and Flavor

For those who prefer the traditional method, making lentil soup with ham on the stovetop is equally rewarding. While it requires a bit more active monitoring, the slow simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and deeply satisfying soup.

On the stovetop, you’ll want to add all your ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir intermittently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The key is to check the lentils regularly. Since different types of lentils cook at varying rates and personal preference for texture differs, don’t leave the stove once the lentils begin to soften. Start checking every few minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.

Remove the pot from the heat precisely when the lentils are perfect for you. Remember that they will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth, especially if you leave the lid on. For the best texture, serve it right away and enjoy!

Set It and Forget It: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

If a truly hands-off approach appeals to you, the slow cooker is an excellent option for this lentil soup with ham. While it takes longer, the low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to deepen and meld in a way that’s hard to beat, resulting in a wonderfully rich and aromatic soup.

Simply combine all the same ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the lentils are beautifully tender. If you prefer a smoother soup, an immersion blender can be used at the end to achieve your desired consistency. You can also make Slow Cooker Lentils as a base and then add your cooked ham towards the end of the cooking process.

Crafting Your Ham and Lentil Soup: Ingredients Spotlight

This ham and lentil soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to use what you have on hand while delivering maximum flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

• Dry Lentils: As discussed, red, brown, or green lentils are all great choices. Remember to rinse them well before adding to the pot.
• Diced Pre-cooked Ham: This is where the magic happens for utilizing leftovers!
  • If you’ve recently prepared our Instant Pot ham or Ninja Foodi ham, you likely have a bag of perfectly sliced or diced ham ready in your fridge.
  • A fantastic way to add deep flavor is by using cooked ham hocks. Simmering them will impart a wonderful smoky essence.
  • No leftovers? No problem! A regular ham steak diced into small cubes works just as well.
• Vegetables: Celery and carrots are excellent, inexpensive additions that provide flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Chopped onion is another classic and highly recommended addition for building a strong flavor base.
• Broth: Chicken broth is our go-to for its rich flavor, but vegetable broth works perfectly if you’re making a vegetarian version.
• Seasonings: Beyond salt and pepper, consider a bay leaf, a pinch of dried thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the overall profile. The salt and sweetness from the ham often mean you won’t need much additional seasoning.

Maximizing Flavor with Leftover Ham

Using leftover ham is not only economical but also incredibly delicious. The inherent saltiness and subtle sweetness of pre-cooked ham perfectly complement the earthy lentils and savory broth. If you have leftover pork chops you want to use up, dice them quite small to ensure they become tender and easy to chew within the soup. We do something similar with our Instant Pot barley soup after the holidays, adding leftover protein for a hearty meal.

For an exceptionally flavorful twist, consider using ham from a smoked ham! One Easter, we used ham from smoking a cooked ham, and the added depth of smoky flavor was absolutely incredible. It truly elevates the entire dish.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup Option

This recipe is easily adaptable for a delicious vegetarian version. Simply omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the savory depth by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy, umami flavor. Consider adding other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pressure Cooker Method (Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi)

• Pour your chosen broth (chicken or vegetable) into the inner pot of your pressure cooker.
• Add the rinsed lentils, diced ham (if using), chopped celery, and carrots into the pot. Stir everything together gently.
• Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Do not force the quick release, as natural release helps the lentils finish cooking gently and prevents foaming.
• Carefully open the lid, taste the soup, and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Stovetop Method (Pot or Dutch Oven)

• Pour your chosen broth into a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
• Add the rinsed lentils, diced ham (if using), chopped celery, and carrots. Stir to combine.
• Place the pot on your stovetop over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook. Stir every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Cook for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender to your liking. Begin checking for tenderness around the 30-minute mark.
• Once tender, remove the pot from the heat. Leave the lid on and let the soup rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the lentils to fully absorb the broth. Then, serve.

Adjusting Consistency: Thinning Your Soup

Lentil soup can thicken considerably, especially as it cools or when reheated. If you find your soup is too thick for your preference, it’s incredibly easy to adjust. Simply pour in a few tablespoons of additional chicken or vegetable broth at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This is particularly useful for leftovers, which tend to thicken quite a bit overnight.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Reheating

This hearty lentil soup with ham is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments.

• Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note. Shredded Parmesan cheese is another favorite, adding a savory, salty finish. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy tang.
• Sides: Serve with a crusty baguette or a slice of warm cornbread for dipping. A simple green salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. As mentioned, the soup will likely thicken in the refrigerator, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to achieve your preferred consistency.

Printable Recipe: Lentil Soup with Ham

Lentil Soup with Ham

By
Justine

This Instant Pot lentil soup with ham recipe, also adaptable for Ninja Foodi or stovetop, is perfect for using leftover ham from the holidays or dicing fresh, and a ham hock adds incredible flavor too.

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
30 mins

Servings:
6

Print Recipe

Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker (or large stock pot/Dutch oven)

Ingredients

• 1 c lentils, dry, rinsed
• 1 c celery, chopped
• 2 c ham, leftover, precooked, diced, or omit for vegetarian
• 1 c carrots, chopped
• 3 c chicken broth, or vegetable broth for vegetarian
• 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Pour broth into pressure cooker or large stock pot.
2. Place all other ingredients (rinsed lentils, ham, celery, carrots) into the pot and stir.
3. For Pressure Cooker: Close lid and steam valve. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then let pressure release naturally. Lift lid, taste, season with salt and pepper if desired, and serve.
4. For Stovetop: Set pot to medium heat and place a lid on top. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Intermittently stir and check lentils until they are tender (approximately 35-45 minutes). Remove from heat when tender, leave lid on, and let it sit for 10 minutes, then serve.
5. Adjust Consistency: If soup is too thick, add more chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information and Disclaimer