Lentil and Ham Soup With a Twist!

Got left over ham? Don’t throw away that ham bone!! Lentil and Ham Soup is like gold at the Lui’s Household.  Reflexologist Helen Chin Lui can’t make enough, and her family can’t eat it fast enough. She usually doubles the recipe. Can you imagine making a 32 quart soup for a family of 4? She is lucky if she  get a couple of bowls of soup.  Helen usually buys a quarter ham with bone for this recipe . If you do buy a quarter ham with bone, use only half of the meat and the bone for the soup (unless you double the recipe you will need two large stock pots and divide the ham.) You can can bake the other half in the oven (follow directions on the package) and use for another meal.

Ingredients:
1 hambone with a lot ham meat intact
2 large carrots, sliced in 1/2” slices

1 medium onion, diced or sliced thinly
2 large celery ribs, sliced in ½” slices
1 – 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
2 lb lentils, washed and rinsed (I used green. Do not use yellow or orange lentils. Cooks up too mushy)
1 t pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 c Garam Masala powder or you may use 1T of dried Thyme (Garam Masala Powder can be found at an Indian grocery store like Shiva Bazaar of India In Lenox Street in Norwood. Check your local grocery store, too – sometimes you can find it there.)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large  stock pot (16 quart pot) add all ingredients and cover with water or by 6-7″ inches. Bring pot to boil, and then turn heat down to low and cook with a tilted lid for 45-60 minutes. I like my lentils soft, but not mushy. Now taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper at the end, as if you season too early your soup can be salty.  If it is too salty, add one cup of water at a time until it is just right for you. The soup will thicken as it cools down. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you may stir in some water until the desire consistency is achieved. Stir to incorporate.

If desired, top with sour cream especially if it is too spicy (FYI, dairy products will cool down spicy foods.) Serve with a green salad.

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Helen Chin Lui is a certified Reflexologist, Certified Energy Medicine and Reiki Practitioner. She is the founder and owner of the Healing Place in Medfield. She specializes in helping people with chronic digestive disorders. For her free report “Proven Alternative Ways to Heal Common Chronic Digestive Problems: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Can Keep You From Healing” click here for your free report.

If you want to investigate how reflexology and energy medicine can help you with your digestive disorder and other health problems, the Healing Place offers a FREE 60-minute consultation. Call 508 359-6463 to schedule a consultation today.

The Healing Place has helped hundreds of people to find long last relief from their chronic pain, digestive issues and balance hormones naturally.