Ham Lentil Soup
This Ham Lentil Soup is a simple recipe to make with leftover Easter ham!
The goal of a meal, friends, is to not only fill our stomachs, but our hearts as well! But being honest here, what do you do when you feel burned out on hosting?
It’s a common complaint that I hear from people.
Being wise with our schedules and knowing our limitations is huge.
When I was younger, I crammed way too much into our schedule. It’s not a fun thing, especially when your family is cranky because you’ve over-commited them.
I learned over time it was not an experience that I wanted to repeat. Not that I still don’t get a little over-exuberant at times. :)
Take a season off
Friends, if you need a change of pace, it’s okay to take a season off and try something new! Ask someone else to host (Easter is next month!)
It’s good to rest, be quiet, say no, listen to your family, hunker down—focus on what’s really important and what’s going on in your life.
Some people ignore the warning signs of burn out, and keep pushing their way through–and their families suffer.
I feel especially for those of us who have the gift of hospitality (hand raised), as we feel guilty if we’re not always giving out.
Seasons are good. They come and go, friends come and go, our needs change, our family dynamics change, and if we don’t listen, we miss out on what God is doing in our lives, and our own needs, because we are too busy.
Anyway, this subject has been on my mind. I for sure have learned lessons about this matter over the years.
The simple way to live is to pace yourself so you can accomplish a lot in life and not get derailed through burn out. – Joyce Meyer
So true.
I don’t know about you, but I want every day to count, and I don’t want to miss out on the joyous moments.
Ham Lentil Soup
Today I’m sharing a delicious Ham Lentil Soup. Since Easter is right around the corner, pin this on your Pinterest account, because you’ll want to make it with leftover ham!
It’s very easy, my son made it with me this last week, and I was actually thinking about making more and freezing it.
Also, several of you have asked about buying steamed lentils. I buy them already cooked (steamed) in a package in the refrigerated section (by produce) at Trader Joe’s. Makes for easy cooking, for sure!
We’ve become more and more a soup-loving family. It’s a lighter meal, and it’s perfect for weeknight menu planning!
Get the Recipe:
Ham Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 lb. ham, diced
- 17.6 oz. steamed lentils, I buy Trader Joe’s
- 1 can, 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 3 small zucchini, diced
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil to medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ham, steamed lentils (already cooked), diced tomatoes, and broth, and bring to a boil.
- Add the spices and parsley. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve!
More lentil soup recipes:
Moroccan Lentil Cauliflower Soup
Slow Cooker Lentil & Quinoa Chili {Aggie’s Kitchen}
Lentil Stew {Foodie with Family}
Swiss Chard Lentila Salad {The Healthy Apple}
For any soup lovers, follow my Soup Pinterest board!
Follow Reluctant Entertainer | Sandy’s board Eat | Soups & Stews on Pinterest.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I wonder what weight of dry lentils that would be?
It’s a little over a pound of cooked lentils, Eunie :)
Are the lentils from TJ in a can or frozen?
Laruel, I buy them already cooked (steamed) in a package in the refrigerated section (by produce) at Trader Joe’s. :)