
Lentil soup with ham and potato is a hearty, rustic soup that combines earthy lentils, savory ham, and starchy potatoes in a flavorful broth. It is a staple comfort food found in many European cuisines, particularly in Spanish, Portuguese, and German cooking, often made as a simple, nourishing meal.
This soup is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of plant-based protein and fiber from lentils, with additional protein from the ham, and carbohydrates from the potatoes. A typical serving provides a moderate amount of calories, roughly between 300-400 kcal, and is rich in iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 µg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Folate | 90 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this soup exemplifies 'peasant food' traditions—using humble, inexpensive, and shelf-stable ingredients like dried lentils and cured ham to create a deeply satisfying and nutritious one-pot meal. Nutritionally, the combination of lentils and ham provides complementary amino acids, forming a complete protein profile.