Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens 🥣
Overview:
This hearty Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens recipe is a comforting dish perfect for those chilly winter days. Packed with protein-rich lentils, savory ham, and nutritious greens, it’s a satisfying meal that’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a total cook time of just 1 hour, including prep, this stew is a delicious option for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 253.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 4.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 66.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 41.8g
- Fiber Content: 15.1g
- Sugar Content: 5.6g
- Protein Content: 12.6g
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups low-sodium broth
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups chopped Swiss chard leaves
- 2 baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups diced smoked ham
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become translucent and fragrant. |
| 3 | Pour in the low-sodium broth, then add the rinsed and drained dried lentils, diced carrot, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. |
| 4 | Once boiling, partially cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the lentils to soften. |
| 5 | Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves, diced potatoes, and diced smoked ham to the pot. Stir well and bring the stew back to a boil. |
| 6 | Reduce the heat to low again, cover the pot, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. |
| 7 | Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried thyme, and black pepper. Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. |
| 8 | Remove and discard the bay leaves from the stew. |
| 9 | Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the stew for a burst of color and freshness. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this delicious Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- This stew also makes great leftovers, so store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon to help thicken the broth.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Keywords:
Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Lentil, Beans, Meat, Canadian, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Winter, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Enjoy your delicious Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens!
