Lentil Soup with Ham Hock

Lentil Soup with Ham Hock is a hearty, rustic soup where lentils are slowly simmered with a smoked ham hock, which infuses the broth with deep, savory flavor. The dish typically includes aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, along with herbs such as thyme and bay leaf. It is a classic comfort food found in various forms across many cuisines, particularly in European and American home cooking.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is a balanced meal, providing a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from the lentils, with additional protein and fat from the ham hock. A typical serving is rich in iron, folate, and B vitamins, and generally ranges from 300 to 450 calories, depending on the cut of the ham and added fats.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Vitamin A	45 µg RAE
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Magnesium	45 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	2.1 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a prime example of 'nose-to-tail' cooking, using a inexpensive cut of meat to create a deeply flavorful and nourishing dish. Nutritionally, the combination of lentils and ham creates a complete protein profile, making it an especially satisfying and muscle-supporting meal.