Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham and Kale

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham and Kale

Here in Pittsburgh, PA, even though it is still summer, we have had a few cool days that make you hanker for a bowl of warm soup.  This recipe is easy and simple with the help of a slow cooker and will satisfy your craving for soup on such days or any day for that matter. 

The presence of a ham bone and some ham meat turns the broth to an irresistible, hearty soup.  It is really worth it to buy boned in ham during the holidays and freeze the bone and some meat for soups like this. The addition of lentils and the vegetables like kale, carrots and celery makes the soup not only delicious but also nutritious.  Bob, my husband and picky taster, loves this soup.  The vegetables definitely enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.   Have it anytime the rest of this summer and definitely this coming fall. Nutritious and delicious.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham and Kale

Ingredients 

• 2 cups lentil
• 6 cups water
• 3 cups kale, stem removed and chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced into cubes
• 3 stalks celery, cut 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 ham bone
• 1/2 lb of ham (some taken from the bone), cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• black pepper and salt to taste

Place all ingredients in slow cooker except pepper and salt and cook for 4 hours at high setting or for 8 hours at low setting.  I cooked mine in an Aroma brand rice cooker/slow cooker for 2 hours at slow cooker setting.  Remove bay leaf before serving.  Season with pepper and salt to taste.