Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ham Lentil and Barley Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, comforting aroma of perfectly simmered ham, tender lentils, and wholesome barley. This isn't just a soup – it's a bowl of pure comfort that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort. Whether you're battling a cold winter day or simply want a nutritious meal that feeds both body and soul, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1/2 cup barley
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 1/2 cup of barley, 2 cups of diced ham, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris or dust. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker, followed by the rinsed lentils, barley, diced ham, chicken broth, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking process will help the flavors meld together and the lentils and barley to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the soup for seasoning. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can stir in a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, serve it hot in bowls. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Ham Lentil and Barley Soup!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent any gritty texture in your soup.
- Sauté Vegetables First: Taking the extra few minutes to sauté your onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance their flavor and add depth to the soup.
- Choose the Right Ham: Use leftover holiday ham or high-quality diced ham for the best flavor. Avoid overly processed ham products.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, don't hesitate to add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired texture.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together.
- Customize Your Toppings: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, add a dollop of sour cream, or sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Slow Cooker Setting: Stick to the low setting for the full 6 hours to ensure the lentils and barley become perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
