Ham Hock Lentil Soup Recipe

A bowl of warm, hearty soup on a chilly day can be the perfect comfort food. When you think of a satisfying, filling dish that hits the spot every time, Ham Hock Lentil Soup should come to mind. It’s one of those recipes that blends earthy, wholesome lentils with the smoky richness of ham hock, creating a deeply flavorful and hearty dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a large batch for a crowd, this recipe is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this soup particularly special is how it brings together humble ingredients, yet the final product feels like a lavish meal. The ham hock, which is a cut from the lower leg of the pig, imparts a rich, savory depth to the broth, while the lentils add an earthy base, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The addition of aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots gives the soup even more layers of flavor.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ham Hock Lentil Soup Recipe

Now, let’s break it down step-by-step. This is a slow-simmered soup, meaning the flavors develop over time, but don’t worry, the process is easy to follow. You’ll be cooking up a big pot of comfort in no time.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, which makes this soup even easier to prepare.

• 2 Ham Hocks: The key ingredient, adding smoky, meaty depth.
• 1 pound of dried green or brown lentils: Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making them the perfect addition.
• 1 large onion, diced: For that sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for its savory punch.
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced: These bring a subtle sweetness to balance the rich ham.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and freshness to the mix.
• 1 bay leaf: For a subtle herbal fragrance.
• 1 teaspoon thyme: A classic herb that complements both the ham and lentils.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It enhances the smoky flavor from the ham.
• 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth: You’ll need a rich base for the soup, but low-sodium keeps it from being too salty.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust these at the end, depending on how salty the ham hocks are.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies at the start.
• 2 cups of water (optional): To adjust consistency.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully for a bowl of flavorful soup:

1. Prep The Ham Hocks

   • Rinse the ham hocks under cold water. This helps remove any surface brine if they were pre-salted or smoked.
   • Set aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add Garlic And Spices

   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle in the thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

4. Add The Ham Hocks And Liquids

   • Pour in the chicken broth and add the ham hocks to the pot.
   • If the liquid doesn’t fully cover the hocks, add a cup or two of water until everything is submerged.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer

   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will allow the ham hocks to release their flavors and the lentils to become tender.

6. Remove The Ham Hocks

   • After the soup has simmered, remove the ham hocks from the pot. Let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Shred the meat from the bone using a fork. Discard any skin or fat, and return the shredded ham to the pot.

7. Add The Lentils

   • Stir in the lentils and let them cook for about 30-40 minutes, until tender. If the soup becomes too thick during this time, feel free to add more water or broth to adjust the consistency.

8. Season To Taste

   • Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The ham should add a lot of flavor, so be cautious with the salt.

9. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of ham, lentils, and vegetables.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe has its own unique role in making the soup so flavorful and hearty. Let’s take a closer look:

• Ham Hocks: This cut is rich in collagen, which breaks down during the cooking process and creates a silky, flavorful broth. The smoky notes from the hocks permeate the soup, elevating the overall taste.
• Lentils: These tiny legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. They don’t require pre-soaking, making them an easy addition to soups. Plus, they absorb the surrounding flavors, helping the soup feel more cohesive.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables bring natural sweetness and freshness, balancing out the smoky, savory flavor of the ham. The texture they provide also keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice does double duty by enhancing the smokiness from the ham and adding an earthy, deep flavor that gives the soup extra complexity.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that supports all the other ingredients. Using low-sodium broth ensures you’re in control of the salt content, especially with the ham hocks adding a lot of sodium.

Expert Tips

To really perfect this recipe, consider the following expert tips:

• Use Bone-In Ham Hocks: Bone-in ham hocks give you the richest flavor because the marrow inside the bones is full of nutrients and flavor.
• Soak the Lentils (Optional): While not necessary, soaking lentils for about 1-2 hours before cooking can help them cook faster and reduce any gas-producing compounds.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply mash some of the lentils with a potato masher once they’re tender. This will naturally thicken the broth.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
• Add Greens: For a fresh pop of color and added nutrition, toss in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations

While this Ham Hock Lentil Soup is delicious as is, you can make small adjustments to cater to your preferences:

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or parsley to alter the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham hocks and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without the meat. You could also add smoked tofu for protein.
• Add Potatoes: For a more filling soup, dice some potatoes and throw them in with the lentils to make the soup even heartier.
• Tomato-Based Version: For a twist, add a can of crushed tomatoes to the broth for a slightly tangy, richer taste.

Final Words

Ham Hock Lentil Soup is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines simplicity and flavor. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to transform basic, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you make it on a lazy Sunday or as part of your meal prep, it’s a dish that’s bound to satisfy.

The tender lentils and smoky ham, paired with the aromatic veggies, create a perfectly balanced and soul-warming meal. It’s the type of soup that brings people together around the table, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.