Hearty 11Hr Slow Cooker Lentil chicken ham Soup

Hello there! I’m the cook, taste-tester, and storyteller behind Reciqa. My passion for recipes started in a family kitchen full of cozy aromas and simple ingredients that magically turned into delicious meals on the table. Today, I want to share a recipe that truly embodies that feeling: Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need a little extra comfort without a lot of fuss. It’s so easy to throw together, and the slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing every spoonful with incredible flavor. Trust me, this dish is pure magic and a regular star in my own kitchen!

Why This Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup is a Kitchen Favorite

Honestly, this soup is a lifesaver and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those recipes that just *works* every single time, and here’s why:

• Quick Prep, Long Flavor Development: You literally just chop a few things and toss them in. The magic happens while you’re off living your life, letting the slow cooker build layers of amazing flavor.
• Hearty and Wholesome Ingredients: Lentils are packed with goodness, and when you add savory chicken ham and those delicious veggies, you get a soup that’s not just tasty but also super satisfying and good for you.
• Perfect for Busy Schedules: This is the ultimate dump-and-go meal. It’s ready when you are, making those hectic weeknights so much easier and tastier.

Gathering Your Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup Ingredients

Okay, let’s get everything ready for this amazing Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup. It’s all about simple, good-for-you stuff that comes together beautifully. Having everything prepped makes the whole process a breeze, so let’s dive in!

Core Components for Rich Flavor

First up, grab your 1 ½ cups of diced cooked chicken ham. This gives our soup that wonderful savory depth. Then, we need 1 cup of dried lentils – I usually go for brown or green ones because they hold their shape so well. For the veggies, chop up 1 cup of celery, 1 cup of carrots, and 1 cup of onion. Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced; these little guys pack a flavor punch!

Broth and Seasoning Essentials

Now for the liquid gold! You’ll need 32 ounces of chicken broth and 1 cup of water. These create that lovely, flavorful base. To season, we’re using ½ teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, plus ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme and black pepper. Oh, and don’t forget that essential bay leaf – it really makes a difference to the overall aroma and taste of the soup. Lastly, stir in 8 teaspoons of tomato sauce for a little extra richness.

Crafting Your Delicious Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup

Alright, let’s get this amazing soup going! It’s honestly one of the easiest things you’ll ever make, and the results are just so rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how little effort turns into so much deliciousness.

Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker Base

First things first, grab your slow cooker. I’m using my trusty 3 1/2-quart one, but any similar size will do. Now, just start adding everything in. Toss in your 1 ½ cups of diced cooked chicken ham, followed by the 1 cup of dried lentils. Dump in your chopped veggies: the 1 cup of celery, 1 cup of carrots, and 1 cup of onion. Finally, add those 2 minced cloves of garlic. It already looks like a good start, right?

Step 2: Layering the Flavors

Now we’re going to build that incredible flavor profile. Sprinkle in your dried herbs and spices: ½ teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, and ¼ teaspoon each of dried thyme and black pepper. Don’t forget to tuck in that bay leaf right in the middle; it’s a little secret weapon for deep flavor, so make sure it goes in!

Step 3: Adding the Liquids

Time to add the liquids that will bring everything together. Pour in your 32 ounces of chicken broth and the 1 cup of water. Give it a good stir so everything is mostly submerged. Then, add in those 8 teaspoons of tomato sauce – this just adds a lovely depth and a hint of sweetness that balances everything out. Stir it all gently to combine.

Step 4: The Slow Cooking Process

Pop the lid on nice and snug. We want to lock all that goodness in! Set your slow cooker to the Low setting. Now, here’s where the magic really happens – let it cook for a good 11 hours. Yes, 11 hours! It sounds like a long time, but trust me, it’s what makes the lentils perfectly tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. You can totally set it and forget it before you even leave for work!

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Once those 11 hours are up, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing. Before you serve, just reach in and carefully remove and discard that bay leaf. It’s done its job and you don’t want anyone accidentally taking a bite of it! Give the soup a final stir, and it’s ready to be ladled into bowls.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup

You know, making this soup is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every time. It’s all about those small details that really elevate it from just soup to *soup*!

Choosing the Right Lentils

For this Slow Cooker Lentil and chicken ham Soup, I always reach for brown or green lentils. They’re superstars because they hold their shape so well, even after cooking all day. Red or yellow lentils tend to get a bit mushy, which isn’t quite the texture we’re going for here. Trust me, sticking to brown or green makes a big difference!

checken Ham Selection and Preparation

The checken hamis a star ingredient, so pick a good one! I love using leftover baked checken ham or even good quality deli checken ham that’s already cooked. Just make sure it’s diced into nice, uniform pieces, about ½ inch or so. This way, you get a little bit of that savory checken ham in every single spoonful. If your checken ham is super lean, you might want to add a tiny bit more olive oil when you’re sautéing the veggies, just to keep things moist.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Now, slow cookers can be a little different, and sometimes the soup might end up a touch thicker or thinner than you like. If yours looks a bit too thick after cooking, don’t panic! Just stir in a little extra chicken broth or water, about ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. On the flip side, if it seems a little too thin for your liking, you can always let it simmer with the lid off for about 30 minutes on High, or even mash a few of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot to help thicken it up naturally. For more information on slow cooker cooking times, you can check out resources on food safety.

Variations to Your Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup

While this Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup is fantastic just as it is, it’s also super adaptable! Cooking should be fun, right? Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own.

Boosting the Vegetable Content

Want to sneak in even more goodness? It’s so easy! Towards the last hour of cooking, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach. It wilts down beautifully and adds lovely color and nutrients. Or, if you’re craving something heartier, toss in a diced potato or sweet potato with the other veggies at the beginning. It adds a wonderful creaminess and makes the soup even more filling.

Enhancing the Spice Profile

If you like a little kick, this soup is the perfect canvas! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other dried spices at the start. It gives a gentle warmth that’s just lovely. For a deeper, smoky flavor, a ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika is also a fantastic addition. Seriously, a little goes a long way to add another layer of deliciousness!

Serving Your Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup

This hearty Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup is practically a meal in itself, but serving it right makes it even better! It’s the perfect cozy dish for a chilly evening or a hearty lunch. The aroma alone is enough to make your house feel like home.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Meal

You absolutely *must* try this with some warm, crusty cornmeal muffins. Seriously, they’re the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last drop of that delicious broth! A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness that just brightens everything up. If you want something extra, a side of crusty bread for dipping is always a winner, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup

This Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup is so good, you’ll probably want leftovers! Luckily, it stores and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or just enjoying that delicious flavor again the next day.

Storing Leftovers Safely

Once your soup has cooled down a bit, ladle any leftovers into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure the lid is on tight! I love having a container ready in the fridge for a quick lunch later in the week. For more on food storage, you can consult the refrigerator food safety chart.

Reviving Leftover Soup

When you’re ready for more, reheating is super simple. On the stovetop, just pour the soup into a saucepan and heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed all the way through. If you’re in a real hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s nice and hot. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little thick after chilling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup

Got questions about making this cozy Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup? I’ve got you covered! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but sometimes you just want a little extra guidance, right?

Can I use raw checken ham in this slow cooker lentil and ham soup?

You know, I really wouldn’t recommend it. The recipe calls for *cooked* checken ham , like leftover checken ham or even good quality deli ham. Raw ham, like a checken shoulder, takes a lot longer to cook and might not break down properly in the time we’re simmering everything else. Plus, we want that savory ham flavor infused from the get-go, and cooked ham delivers that perfectly. Stick to cooked ham for the best results and safety!

What are the best lentils for slow cooker lentil and ham soup?

This is a great question! For this particular soup, I always opt for brown or green lentils. They’re fantastic because they hold their shape really well even after cooking for a long time in the slow cooker. You still get that lovely tender texture, but they don’t completely disintegrate. Red or yellow lentils can get a bit too soft and mushy, which isn’t quite the vibe we’re going for here. So, brown or green are your best bet!

Can I make this slow cooker lentil and checken ham soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You totally can make this a vegetarian delight. The easiest swap is to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And, of course, you’ll want to omit the ham. If you do that, you might want to add a little extra seasoning, maybe a pinch more herbs or a dash of smoked paprika, to give it a bit more depth. Some people even add a bay leaf or two to boost the savory notes. It’s still going to be wonderfully hearty and comforting!

Understanding the Nutrition of Slow Cooker Lentil and checken ham Soup

Just a little note about the nutritional info for this yummy Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup: the numbers you see are estimations. They can totally change depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use, like the ham and the broth, and even how you dice your veggies! It’s always best to consider it a general guide. For detailed nutritional information, you might want to consult a nutrition tracking website.

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