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Transform your leftover ham into a soul-warming slow cooker soup that marries tender lentils, smoky bacon, and rich tomato broth. This hearty soup simmers gently throughout the day, creating deep, complex flavors that make it taste like it came from a countryside kitchen.
The first time I made this soup, my kitchen filled with such comforting aromas that my family kept wandering in to peek under the slow cooker lid. Now it's our favorite way to transform holiday ham leftovers into something completely new and delicious.
Key Ingredients Guide
- Premium bacon creates the foundation of flavor, choose thick-cut for best results
- Sweet Vidalia onions add natural sweetness that balances the smoky elements
- Brown or green lentils hold their shape perfectly through slow cooking
- Fresh carrots bring natural sweetness and beautiful color
- Leftover ham adds hearty texture and rich, salty depth
- Italian seasoning infuses classic herb flavors throughout
- Tomato sauce creates a rich, velvety broth base
Making Perfect Soup
- Base Creation:
- Place your thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet and heat slowly until perfectly crispy, about 8 minutes.
- Flavor Building:
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the bacon drippings, cooking until they become tender and fragrant.
- Aromatics Addition:
- Incorporate fresh minced garlic, stirring until it releases its wonderful aroma.
- Slow Cooker Magic:
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, letting them meld together over 6 to 8 hours.
- Final Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper just before serving for perfect flavor balance.
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My family particularly loves this soup on cold winter evenings. The combination of tender lentils and smoky ham reminds me of the soups my grandmother used to make, though she never used a slow cooker.
Creating Deeper Flavors
The magic of this soup lies in the slow cooking process. As it simmers, the lentils gradually absorb the flavors of the ham and bacon, while the vegetables slowly release their natural sweetness into the broth.
Perfect Timing
The key to perfect texture lies in the cooking duration. Six hours on low gives tender lentils while maintaining their shape. Eight hours creates a thicker, more stew-like consistency that some prefer.
Enhancing Your Bowl
Consider garnishing each serving with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs. The contrast between the hot soup and fresh garnishes creates an elevated dining experience.
Complete Meal Ideas
Serve this robust soup with crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread. A simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette provides perfect contrast to the hearty soup.
Making It Your Own
Add extra vegetables like diced potatoes or mushrooms for more substance. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño.
Keeping It Fresh
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to six months.
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After years of making various lentil soups, this version remains my family's favorite. The combination of smoky ham, crispy bacon, and tender lentils creates comfort in every spoonful, making it perfect for any season but especially welcome during colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Use ham bone?
- Yes, adds extra flavor if available.
- → Make on stovetop?
- Simmer about 1 hour until lentils are tender.
- → Best lentils?
- Green or brown lentils work well.
- → Adjust spice?
- Add more red pepper flakes to taste.
- → Too thick?
- Add more broth as needed while cooking.