Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup

Slow cooker lentil and ham soup is a cheap and cheerful slow cooker lentil recipe made with pantry staples. This recipe contains affiliate links.

I am a true believer in the slow cooker, it’s a handy tool for every kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, there are certain foods that work better with a long braise in the oven or are better suited for the stove top, but on the other hand, there are some dishes that are just made for the slow cooker.

Enter this slow cooker lentil soup with ham. There is no pre-cooking required–all you need to do is add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let the gentle heat do all the work.

There is no need to precook or soak the lentils, that’s the beauty of slow cooker lentil recipes! I also love making congee in the slow cooker for another dump-and-go slow cooker recipe.

This is a go-to recipe for those busy cold, winter days. Or for those days when you just don’t really feel like cooking. A little chopping is all that is required.

This slow cooker soup is definitely inspired by French cuisine. It starts with a mirepoix (a combination of onions, carrots and celery). You could throw in leftover ham (if you have some on hand), but I usually just buy the smoked ham when it’s on sale at the grocery store. All that’s left to do is adding some lentils, herbs and the liquid.

Which herbs should I use in slow cooker lentil soup?

Generally speaking, herbs that are sturdier work best in slow cooker recipes. I’d generally reach for dried herbs when a long cook time is involved. Rosemary is my-go in a recipe like this slow cooker lentil soup with ham, but oregano or thyme would also be great.

When the soup is done, I finish it off with a couple of handfuls of chopped fresh spinach (they add nice colour to the otherwise brown soup) and a hit of cider vinegar to brighten the flavours. Definitely don’t skip the vinegar at the end—though you could also use lemon in a pinch.

I also stir in olive oil at the end for a smooth finish and mouthfeel, it’s a perfect finishing touch.

This is a cozy soup recipe that I would 100% serve with some cheesy garlic bread. Hello, winter comfort food!

Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup

Author: Louisa Clements

5 from 6 votes

Slow cooker lentil and ham soup is a cheap and cheerful slow cooker lentil recipe made with pantry staples.

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Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 stalk of celery, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 ¼ cups green lentils
• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, or 796mL
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups water
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp cider vinegar
• 2 cups chopped spinach

Instructions

• In a slow cooker insert, stir celery with carrot, yellow onion, garlic, ham, green lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, water, rosemary, bay leaf and salt.
• Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
• Stir in olive oil, cider vinegar and chopped spinach.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!

Let me know if you give this slow cooker lentil and ham soup a try in the comments below.