Overview
This Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is perfect for those cold Canadian winters, promising warmth and comfort in every spoonful. It’s a savory blend of lentils, ham bone, sausage, and an array of vegetables, simmered to perfection for hours. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for freezing and enjoying multiple times.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Category: Pork
- Keywords: Lentil, Onions, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Winter, Stove Top, Easy
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 1/2 cups | Lentils |
| 1 | Ham bone |
| 4 | Sausage links |
| 2 | Onions, chopped |
| 1 | Celery stalk, chopped |
| 2 | Carrots, chopped |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 cans | Stewed tomatoes |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 2 tsp | Thyme |
| 1/2 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1/2 cup | Parsley, chopped |
| 2 tbsp | Cider vinegar |
| to taste | Salt |
| 10 cups | Water |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 169.2
- Total Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 14.6mg
- Sodium: 434.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.1g
- Sugars: 5.5g
- Protein: 8.1g
Recipe Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Gather all the ingredients and ensure they are chopped and prepared as specified.
-
Cooking:
- In a large stockpot, combine lentils, ham bone, sausage (cut into pieces), onions, celery, carrots, garlic, stewed tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, parsley, cider vinegar, salt (to taste), and water.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
-
Simmering:
- Bring the soup to a full boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
-
Cooking Time:
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
-
Serving:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
-
Storage
- This soup freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips for Success
- Meat Selection: Choose good-quality sausage and a ham bone with some meat still attached for the best flavor.
- Simmering Time: The longer the soup simmers, the richer the flavors will become. Aim for at least 4 hours for the best results.
- Freezing: Portion the soup into smaller containers for easier reheating and serving later.
Enjoy Your Hearty Lentil Soup!
This hearty dish is not just a meal but a comforting experience, perfect for chilly winter days or any time you crave a satisfying, wholesome soup. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and fulfilling meal.