Simple and comforting soup
Lentil soup is one of the simplest, cheapest and easiest soups to make. It is gluten free and can easily be made vegan friendly. It's a close relative of dhal, in fact a bowl of thick meat free lentil soup topped with some spicy butter is a bowl of dhal.
To Ham or Not to HamLentil soup can be made with or without ham. If you decide to use ham there is no need to buy anything expensive. 200 grammes of bacon trimmings, a few ham ribs, or for a really meaty soup try a ham hough
If you do decide to make a meaty soup, start by making the stock.
Bacon is the simplest.
- Chop 200g of bacon trimmings (more if you like) and fry them till they brown.
- Add the fried bacon and fat to the soup mixture when you add the water.
Ham Hough takes a bit more time but will add a lot more flavour. ... just be aware that the dark heavily "smoked" ones you see are very salty.
- Soak the ham hough in cold water overnight, then discard the water, to reduce the saltiness.
- Cover the hough with water and simmer until it starts to fall apart.
- Spoon off any scum that gathers on the surface.
- Fish out the hough and let it cool. Then separate the meat, chop it, and set it aside for later.
- Use the liquid to make your soup.
Other Ham can also be used. Just pop any scraps or leftovers of cooked ham into the soup and it will add extra flavour.
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Ingredients
Instructions
Lentil soup freezes well, so make a big batch and have a bowlful on cold winter days.