I'm making this healthy lentil soup with ham & veggies for "Passover Thursday" which is the Thursday before Easter! I'll be serving it with flatbread and sparkling grape juice!
One of our "Holy Week" or Easter traditions is to follow the Savior in Matthew through this week. On Thursday, like the Savior, we have a Passover dinner. Our Passover dinner looks pretty different from His, but I try to make it as authentic as I can while keeping it appetizing for my kids.
While we eat, I'll read to the story of the "Passover" (Exodus 12) from the old testament and the "Last Supper" (Matthew 26) from the New Testament! This makes Easter more meaningful and exciting for the kids while teaching them the history and meaning!
First Soak Your Lentils - Don't Skip This Step!
First thing in the morning, or the night before, soak 1 pound of lentils in triple the water with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar and water soak breaks down phytic acid in lentils so you can digest them without problems.
Lentils are like beans causing gas and bloating if you skip this step! After soaking all day, lentils cook faster too!
How To Make Lentil Soup!
Start by chopping one large onion, one clove of garlic, 4-5 celery stalks, and 4 medium carrots. Place them in your soup pot and cover with water... Or make it MORE NOURISHING by using homemade or powdered bone broth instead of water! Simmer your veggies till they are soft, and the broth is developed.
Optional: Chop 2 cups of ham and add to pot. If you are making this for an authentic Passover meal you may want to omit this. Jews did not include meat in their soup. However, my family prefers it this way, and still enjoys the Passover memorial.
Recipe Card
Lentil Soup with Veggies & Ham
I’m making this healthy lentil soup with ham & veggies for “Passover Thursday” which is the Thursday before Easter!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lentils
- 4-5 stalks of celery
- 4 carrots
- 1 onion *optional
- 2 cups cooked ham
- 6 cups bone broth or water
Instructions
First thing in the morning, or the night before, soak 1 pound of lentils in triple the water with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Chop veggies and ham into small ½ pieces and put them into a pot.
Cover with water or broth and simmer till soft (about 20 minutes)
Add 4 cups broth, and lentils and cook for 20 more minutes.
Take ½ soup and blend till smooth then add back to the soup, and stir. Or, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency.
Add pepper & salt to taste just before serving. *If you add salt while lentils are cooking they won’t get as tender as they should!
After veggies are soft, and broth is developed (about 20 minutes) drain lentils and add to the soup. Add 4 cups of water or broth, and seasoning (except salt). Simmer lentil soup for 20 minutes, until lentils are soft.
Take ½ soup and blend till smooth then add back to the soup, and stir. Or, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency.
IMPORTANT: Add pepper & salt to taste just before serving. *If you add salt while lentils are cooking they won't get as tender as they should!
This recipe serves 16
Nutrition
Lentil soup is super nourishing when cooked right. Remember to pre-soak lentils to remove the phytic acid so you can absorb the nutrition!
- High in FIBER... Each serving provides 12 grams of fiber!
- High in PROTEIN! Each serving provides 12-20 grams of protein too! Protein increases with the addition of ham.
- Lentil Soup is naturally LOW FAT! The only fat is what you add... This recipe calls for 0 fat unless you add the ham.
- Only 28 grams of carbohydrate per serving which is offset by 12 grams of fiber.
- Only 4 grams of naturally occurring sugar per serving!
Tips for Making Lentil Soup
- Pre-Soak Those Lentils: Before you begin cooking your lentil soup, make sure to soak the lentils in water with a dash of apple cider vinegar for 2 to 12 hours. This step is essential because it helps break down phytic acid in lentils, making them easier to digest and reducing the likelihood of causing gas and bloating. Soaking also cuts down on cooking time, which is a win-win!
- Stay True to Tradition: If you're preparing this lentil soup for an authentic Passover meal, consider omitting the ham. Traditional Passover meals don't include meat in their soups. However, if your family enjoys it, go ahead and add the ham. The aim is to create a meaningful meal while respecting tradition and personal preferences.
- Choose Your Broth Wisely: To elevate the nutritional value and flavor of your lentil soup, consider using homemade or powdered bone broth instead of plain water. Bone broth not only enhances the taste but also packs in extra nutrients, making your meal even more satisfying.
- Mind the Seasoning: When adding seasoning to your lentil soup, hold off on the salt until the lentils are soft. Salting them while they cook can hinder the softening process. Save the salt for the final touch just before serving.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a silky, creamy texture, consider blending about half of the soup until it's smooth and then adding it back to the pot. You can use a blender or an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency. This step adds a lovely texture to your soup that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
History
Lentil soup is a popular biblical food. The ancient Israelites ate lentil soup Jacob cooked his father, Isaac, whose father Abraham had died. However, Jacob ended up trading his "mess of pottage" (lentil soup) with his starving brother Esau, for his birthright. Jacob really traded up!
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FAQ's
Can I skip the soaking step when making lentil soup?
It's highly recommended not to skip the soaking step, especially if you want to fully enjoy your lentil soup. Soaking makes the lentils softer, more nutritious, and easier on your digestive system.
Is ham a traditional ingredient in lentil soup for Passover meals?
No, it's not a traditional ingredient in Passover meals, as Jewish tradition typically avoids meat in their soups. However, you can add ham if your family prefers it. The goal is to create a meaningful meal that respects tradition while accommodating personal tastes.
Can I use something else instead of ham for added flavor?
Certainly! If you'd like to keep your soup meat-free but still add depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika, cumin, or other seasonings that provide a smoky or savory taste.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of bone broth?
Yes, you can absolutely use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup. It will still add flavor and nutrition to your lentil soup.
Why is it essential to avoid adding salt to the lentils while they cook?
Salting lentils before they're fully softened can interfere with the softening process. To ensure that your lentils cook to the desired tenderness, it's best to add salt just before serving.
How can I adjust the consistency of my lentil soup?
To achieve your desired consistency, you can blend about half of the soup until it's smooth and then mix it back into the pot. You can use a regular blender or an immersion blender for this step.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Lentil soup is known to taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. So, yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!