Growing up, my mom always saved the ham bone from our Easter and Christmas Dinners. She would usually use it to make Lima Bean Soup or Split Pea Soup. Growing up, I wasn’t a big fan of those two classic soups, but as I’ve gotten older, I really appreciate them and love the nostalgic feeling when I make and eat them. As great as those two soups are, I have a different way I like to use the leftover ham bone. I make this delicious Ham Bone Lentil Soup.
I wouldn’t have ever thought to use it in lentil soup if my friend Jess’s dad hadn’t made an awesome lentil soup with the turkey bone from Thanksgiving Dinner. It was so delicious, and I loved the texture the lentils gave the soup. I started making it with the turkey bones and also my ham bones…so don’t forget to try this same recipe with your turkey bone, too.
The thing that always surprises me is how much my kids like this soup. The flavor is so good; they can’t help but like it. My 8-year-old even requested it for his birthday dinner. WHAT??? With Easter around the corner don’t forget to save your ham bone and pull it out to make this delicious soup!
My Favorite Soup Recipes
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup
- Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
- Poor Man’s Egg and Spaghetti Soup
step-by-step directions for how to make Ham Bone Lentil Soup
Frequently Asked Questions for making Ham Bone Lentil Soup
How long will a ham bone stay good in the Freezer?
In an airtight Ziploc bag, a ham bone can stay good in the freezer for at least 3-4 months. Depending on your freezer, it may even stay good for up to 6 months.
Can I make this soup without a ham bone and just add pieces of ham?
You can, but part of what makes it extra tasty is the broth that is flavored from boiling the ham bone. If you choose to use ham, make sure to give the soup plenty of simmering time with the ham included. Don’t just throw it in at the end of the cooking process.
How much Italian Seasoning should I add instead of the other dried herbs?
If you want to use Italian seasoning in place of the dried herbs listed on the recipe, use 1 tsp of Italian seasoning and still add a tbsp of dried parsley.
Can I freeze this Ham Bone Lentil Soup?
Yes. When the soup has cooled, you can freeze it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to three months. This soup freezes really well.
How long do lentils need to cook?
Lentils typically need to boil in the soup for at least 20 minutes to become tender. Letting them go a little longer is fine, and I actually prefer it. I like them to be nice and soft.
CHEF’S tools:
Serve with...
- 1 ham bone, preferably with some ham still on it
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 large carrots, sliced or diced
- 4-5 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 segment of garlic, crushed
- 10-12 cups water
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb lentils
- 1½ tbsp chicken bouillon (May need more depending on how salty your ham/ham bone is. Taste it and add as needed.)
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a large soup pot, sauté the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic in the olive oil until onions are getting translucent.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and chicken bouillon.
- Add the lentils and ham bone, and then the water.
- Bring it to a boil. Boil for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are soft and tender. (This is the kind of soup you can let simmer all day, if you want, but if you are in a hurry, you can speed it up.)
- When lentils are tender, remove the bone and shred off any ham that you can.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Recipes perfect for Leftover Ham
Delicious! I let it simmer for about three hours, which made it more like a stew consistency. Yum!
Sounds delicious! So glad you liked it!
Made exactly as recipe stated. It was delicious! Since lentils cook quickly, you can make the soup and eat it the same evening after work.
So glad you liked it Judy!
I was looking for a recipe for lentil soup. I love making soup and like to make my own but sometimes search for a new twist . Iam going to try the one you posted. I might skip the thyme. I just added that in a jambalaya soup. Iam from Harford county MD. Hope that all is well.
Thanks for leaving a comment. Glad you found the recipe and hope you liked the soup.
If you’re using a ham bone…do not add salt…until the soup is finished.
Taste it first.
Yes, when it’s done, taste the soup before adding salt. Depending upon how salty the ham or ham bone you use, you may or may not need to add salt.
This is the closest I could find to the recipe my mother used. Very basic and no weird ingredients that you have to get at the store. The taste is excellent. The only thing I add is a little cayenne for some heat. My mother couldn’t eat anything that was remotely spicy hot. I approve!
I am so happy that you found it. I love eating foods that remind me of my mom and grandma. Love the idea of a little Cayenne for heat. Gonna try that next time I make it.
This is a fantastic soup to make in the winter. Make sure to soak the lentils longer or they will be al dente or just boil longer to soften. Very good!
Thank you! So glad you liked it!