GiGi's Special Ham and Lentil Soup

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Source: My Dad, John Lefko, GiGi

Pre-Notes

    My dad, GiGi, likes to make this soup and bring some to my sister, Nancy, and I. Natalie and Thomas like this soup so much, they used to lick the bowls clean when they were younger. Thanks, GiGi!

    If the soup becomes to thick, add additional beef broth to thin it.

    If you do not have a ham bone, you can add cut up ham pieces to the soup during the last 30 minutes.

Ingredients

    Lentil Soup

  1. 1 ham bone with ham meat left on it
  2. 11 c water
  3. 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 t powder beef bouillon
  4. 1 (16 oz) bag lentils, rinsed and picked over
  5. 1 c cerely, or more, chopped
  6. 1 c carrots, or more, chopped
  7. 1 large onion, chopped
  8. 1/2 c fresh parsley, chopped
  9. 2 t salt
  10. 1/2 t dried oregano
  11. 1/2 t black pepper
  12. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  13. 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  14. 2 to 3 potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
  15. 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth, if needed for thinning

Instructions

    Lentil Soup

  1. Place ham bone in a large stock pot with 11 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove ham bone from broth and trim ham into bite-sized pieces from the bone, removing any fat and gristle. Discard the ham bone and set aside the ham to be added to the soup later.
  3. Strain the broth, and return to the pot.
  4. To the broth, combine bouillon cube, lentils, celery, carrots, onions, parsley, salt, oregano, black pepper, and garlic.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour.
  6. Add the tomatoes, potatoes, and reserved ham pieces; cover and simmer for 30 more minutes.
  7. If soup becomes to thick, add beef broth 1/2 can at a time to desired consistency.

How to Photos

GiGi's Special Ham and Lentil Soup - How to Photos

Picture of Recipe

GiGi's Special Ham and Lentil Soup - Picture of Recipe
Serves: 6 to 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Course: Soup/Stew/Chili
Type of Food: Soup
Key Ingredient: Lentils,Ham
Difficulty: 2 - Medium
Make Ahead: Yes
Prep Method: Stovetop

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