Lentil Stew with Ham
Lentil Stew with Ham is a hearty, traditional European dish, particularly popular in Germany and Central Europe, where it's known as 'Linseneintopf mit Speck'. It typically features brown or green lentils slow-simmered with smoked ham or pork, root vegetables like carrots and celery, onions, and often a splash of vinegar for brightness.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This stew is a well-balanced, high-protein meal thanks to the lentils and ham, providing substantial fiber and iron. A typical serving (around 1.5 cups) would likely fall in the 400-500 calorie range, with a good mix of complex carbs, protein, and moderate fat from the ham.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 5.2 mg |
| Potassium | 680 mg |
| Folate | 180 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 3.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin | 6.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a classic example of rustic 'peasant food' that's both economical and deeply nourishing, traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in some regions for good luck. Nutritionally, the combination of plant-based lentils with animal-based ham creates a complete protein profile, making it a particularly satisfying and muscle-supporting meal.
