7 Mouthwatering Ham Hock And Lentil Soup Recipes You Have To Try

Starting directly with the opening paragraph:

Soup season is upon us, 🍲 and nothing beats the comfort of a warm, flavorful bowl of soup on a chilly evening. Ham hock and lentil soup, with its hearty ingredients and rich, satisfying taste, offers not just warmth but a nutritional boost as well. The marriage of smoky ham hock with the earthy, filling lentils makes for a soup that's both deeply comforting and simple to prepare. Here are 7 delightful variations of this classic dish that you absolutely must try!

Classic Ham Hock and Lentil Soup

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Ingredients:

• Smoked ham hock 🍖
• Brown lentils
• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Chicken broth

Instructions:

• Begin by searing the ham hock in a pot to render out some of its flavorsome fat.
• Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
• Incorporate minced garlic and stir for a minute or two until aromatic.
• Add lentils, broth, ham hock, bay leaves, and thyme, then simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the lentils are tender.
• Remove the hock, strip the meat, return it to the pot, and serve.

<p class="pro-note">🍲 Note: Simmering longer will result in a richer broth, but be careful not to overcook the lentils, or they might lose their texture.</p>

Smoky Ham Hock and Green Lentil Soup with Kale

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This variation brings a touch of greens for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

• Smoked ham hock
• Green lentils
• Kale 🌿
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Chicken stock
• Smoked paprika

Instructions:

• After browning the ham hock and softening the vegetables, add the lentils and chicken stock.
• Season with smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
• Simmer for an hour, then add chopped kale in the last 15 minutes to retain its vibrant green color.
• Pull the meat off the hock, shred, and mix back into the soup.

French Lentil Soup with Ham Hock and Red Wine

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For a touch of elegance, this recipe adds red wine.

Ingredients:

• Puy lentils
• Smoked ham hock
• Red wine 🍷
• Leeks
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Instructions:

• Deglaze the pot with red wine after browning the ham hock, enhancing the flavor profile with robust undertones.
• Add herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more traditional French taste.
• Cook lentils until tender, shred the ham hock, and return the meat to the pot.

Hearty Ham Hock and Split Pea Soup

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Though split peas are a bit different, the flavors mesh beautifully.

Ingredients:

• Ham hock
• Split peas
• Potatoes 🥔
• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chicken stock

Instructions:

• Use split peas instead of lentils for a heartier texture.
• Add diced potatoes for extra bulk.
• Follow the same process as the classic recipe, simmering until all ingredients are soft.

Spicy Ham Hock and Lentil Stew with Chorizo

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This recipe brings a spicy twist to the classic soup.

Ingredients:

• Smoked ham hock
• Brown lentils
• Chorizo sausage 🔥
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Chili flakes

Instructions:

• Brown the chorizo and add it with the ham hock to the pot.
• Use bell peppers for a sweet counterpoint to the spicy chorizo.
• Add tomatoes for depth, and season with cumin and chili flakes.

Slow Cooker Ham Hock and Lentil Soup

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Perfect for those who prefer the convenience of a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• Ham hock
• Lentils
• Celery
• Carrots
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Remove hock, shred the meat, return to the pot, and serve.

Vegan Lentil Stew with Smoky Tofu “Hock”

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For those avoiding meat, this vegan take is just as delightful.

Ingredients:

• Smoked tofu, cut to resemble hock 🍢
• Brown lentils
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Liquid smoke (optional)
• Vegetable stock

Instructions:

• Marinate and cook the tofu to give it a smoky flavor.
• Prepare the stew as per the classic recipe, using vegetable stock and liquid smoke for added flavor.

<p class="pro-note">🌱 Note: Liquid smoke can be substituted with a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a vegan-friendly smoke flavor.</p>

Each of these ham hock and lentil soup recipes brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the depth of flavor from red wine, the spiciness from chorizo, or the convenience of a slow cooker. These soups are not only comforting but also incredibly nutritious, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Next time you’re looking for a soul-warming meal, give one of these a try. They'll not only satisfy your hunger but also warm your heart with their rich, inviting flavors.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long does it take to cook lentils with ham hock?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Depending on the type of lentils used and the desired tenderness, lentils with ham hock can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to cook. Ensure the lentils are soft but not mushy.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can you freeze ham hock and lentil soup?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept for up to 3 months.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I use if I don't have a ham hock?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can substitute ham hock with bacon, sausage, or smoked turkey for a similar smoky flavor. For vegetarians, try smoked tofu or liquid smoke.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do lentils need to be soaked before cooking?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most lentils do not require soaking, but soaking can reduce cooking time by about half and can improve their digestibility.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I thicken ham hock and lentil soup?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>To thicken the soup, you can blend some of the lentils or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Alternatively, letting the soup simmer longer will naturally thicken it as the lentils break down.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>