Spiced lentil soup with smoked ham
Spiced lentil soup with smoked ham is a hearty, warming dish that combines earthy lentils with savory, smoky pork for deep flavor. It typically features lentils, smoked ham or ham hocks, onions, carrots, celery, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. This comforting soup is a staple in many cuisines, particularly across Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, where it's valued for its simplicity and nourishing qualities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is a balanced, protein-rich meal, thanks to the lentils and ham, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the lentils and vegetables. It provides a good source of fiber, iron, and B vitamins, with a typical serving containing around 300-400 calories, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Folate | 120 mcg |
| Zinc | 2.0 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish exemplifies the resourceful use of humble ingredients—lentils and smoked pork—to create a deeply satisfying meal, often associated with rustic home cooking. Nutritionally, the combination of plant-based protein from lentils and animal protein from ham creates a complete amino acid profile, making it a particularly nourishing choice.
