Spicy Ham and Lentil Soup in Under 10 Minutes

Hungry? Got 10 minutes? That’s where this Spicy Ham and Lentil Soupcomes in.

Highin protein, fiber and a warm blast of heat, it’s quick, hearty and freakishly easy to pull off.

Why You Need This Soup in Your Life

Let me tell you something. Life gets busy. I mean the busy busy busy where cooking seems likescaling Mount Everest.

But here’s the thing — I want food thatis fast and healthy and filling. Which is why this soupwas life-changing.

This is more than just another recipe; it’s a lifelinefor anyone who hankers for flavor but can’t when won’t and don’t have the attention span to babysit a pot on the stove.

Here’sthe catch: you can make this in less than 10 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Ten minutes.

Andit’s a nutritional workhorse to boot. You get 9.3 grams of protein, 20.2 grams of carbs and an eye-popping 2.7 milligrams ofiron per serving. And it’s got potassium,calcium, and yes, even vitamin C.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

The Power of Lentils

Lentils are tiny superheroes. They are loaded with protein, fiber,and minerals such as iron and potassium.

Didyou realize a cup of cooked lentils contains almost 18 grams of protein? That’s about what you’d pay fora chicken breast!

Here’s thenutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cup or 8 oz):

Nutrient	Value (per 1 cup/8oz)	% Daily Value
Calories	139 kcal	–
Protein	9.3 g	–
Total Fat	2.8 g	–
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	–
Carbohydrates	20.2 g	–
Fiber	–	–
Iron	2.7 mg	–
Sodium	1,319 mg	–
Potassium	357 mg	–
Calcium	42 mg	–
Vitamin C	4.2 mg	–

And if you go all in —as with a whole 20-ounce can — you will have:

• 318 calories
• 21 grams of protein (38% DV)
• 6 grams of fat (8% DV)
• 46 grams of carbs (17% DV)
• 816 milligrams potassium(17% DV)
• 6 milligrams of iron (76% DV)
• 3016mg sodium(131% DV)

Now, let’s talk about ham.

The Magic of Ham

Ham contributes two things to this soup: protein andtaste. A 1-cup servingof diced ham adds approximately 14 grams of protein.

Add that tolentils, and boy, is that a protein powerhouse. And ham adds the sortof savory, smoky depth that is impossible to resist with every bite.

But wait—there’s more.

Quick Prep Tips for Busy People

I’m a big fan of recipes that don’t involvelong prep-cycles. Here’s how to get this soup onthe table in a snap:

1. Use canned lentils. No soaking no boiling just openand dump.
2. Grab pre-cooked ham. Diced ham from the deli section ismagic.
3. Sauté aromatics fast. Onions, garlic, carrots and celeryonly require 2-5 minutes to sotfen.
4. Simmer briefly. As soon as everything’s in the pot, it requires just 5 minutes toheat through.

Want extra creaminess? Purée thesoup with an immersion blender. Trust me—it’s a game-changer.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Your 10-Minute Soup

Ready to cook? Take the following steps, and you’ll have dinner faster than you can say“lentils.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced carrot
• 1 diced celery stalk
• 2 cups cannedlentils (drained)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 can tomatoes with chilis,diced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt,pepper and spices to the liking.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oliveoil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion,carrot and celery. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until they begin tosoften.
3. Add the lentils from thecan, the diced ham, the can of diced tomatoes with chilies, and chicken stock. Stir well.
4. Let itsimmer for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Adjustseasonings with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Customize Your Soup

Reduce Sodium

If you want to limit your sodium intake, here’s how youcan do so:

• Strain andwash canned lentils well before using. This removes excess salt.
• Choose low-sodium chickenstock.
• Leave out the hamor substitute turkey ham instead — it’s leaner, with less sodium.

Make It Spicier

Love heat? Addextra heat with these variations:

• Toss in red pepper flakeswhile sautéing the aromatics.
• Substitute the can of diced tomatoes with chiliesfor a spicier salsa or hot sauce.
• Top with a drizzleof sriracha before serving.

Go Creamy

Pulse half the soup in an immersion blender to avelvety texture. If you don’t have one, transfer a little to a regular blender and purée, then stirback into the pot.

Why This Soup Is Budget-Friendly

Let’s talk money. Wallet-friendly cannedlentils and diced ham are the backbone. It makes 6-12 servings orso, depending on how much you dish out.

That means lots of leftovers — or plenty to feed acrowd without draining the resources.

And lentilsare a nutritional bargain. They’re cheap perserving and loaded with value in protein and fiber.

Pair them with inexpensive cutsof ham, and you have a meal that’s not just economical, it’s also nutritious.

Final Thoughts

And this Spicy Ham and Lentil Soup isjust another one of those that’s perfect proof that good food doesn’t have to be hard to make.

It’s fast, healthful and infinitelyadaptable. Give ita try once, and you’ll wonder why you never knew it existed.