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Smoky ham hock lentil soup in white bowl with lentils carrots onions and crispy bacon bits on gray countertop

Smoky Ham Hock Lentil Soup

5 from 1 vote
A comforting classic, this smoky ham hock lentil soup is packed with flavor from ham hocks and lentils. Learn how to make this delicious soup with variations for slow cookers and personal preferences.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup
  • 2 10-ounce smoked ham hocks
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped Spanish onion
  • 1 cup sliced okra
  • 1 lemongrass stalk finely chopped
  • 1 small fresh habanero chile finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups uncooked dried red or yellow lentils
  • 0.5 cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 1.5 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Garnish
  • thyme leaves
  • microgreens
  • croutons

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Blender

Method
 

Soup
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine ham hocks, 3 quarts water, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. Add onion, okra, lemongrass, habanero, ginger, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Add lentils and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
  4. Remove ham hocks and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove skin and bones, then shred meat and return it to the pot. Stir in scallions and thyme.
  5. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
Slow Cooker Version
  1. Place ham hocks, 3 quarts water, and olive oil in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.

Notes

For a creamy version, blend some of the soup until smooth before returning it to the pot. For an Instant Pot version, follow the instructions at [Dad Cooks Dinner](https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/pressure-cooker-lentil-and-hambone-soup/).