Herb-Infused Lentils with Ham and Garlic (Crock Pot)
This comforting dish combines the earthy flavors of lentils with savory ham, aromatic garlic, and fragrant rosemary. Slow-cooked in a crock pot, the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Serve it on its own or alongside crusty bread for a satisfying one-dish meal that the whole family will love. It’s a nutritious choice packed with protein and fiber that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
5 cups (none)
chopped onions
3 cups (chopped)
diced cooked ham
2 cups (diced)
diced carrot
1 cup (diced)
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (crushed)
sage
3/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
dried lentils
1 pound (rinsed and sorted)
vegetable broth
14 ounces (canned)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the ingredients: rinse and sort the lentils to remove any debris.
2
In a large slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, chopped onions, diced ham, diced carrots, crushed rosemary, sage, pepper, vegetable broth, garlic, and bay leaf.
3
Pour in the water until all ingredients are covered, ensuring there’s enough liquid for the lentils to cook properly.
4
Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the high-heat setting.
6
Cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
7
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8
Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12g
Protein
9g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Lentils with Ham and Garlic?
This is a comforting slow-cooker dish that combines earthy lentils with savory ham, aromatic garlic, and fragrant rosemary for a hearty meal.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include dried lentils, diced cooked ham, chopped onions, diced carrots, garlic cloves, vegetable broth, and water.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this lentil dish high in protein?
Yes, it provides 12g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe contain?
This recipe is high in fiber, containing 9g per serving.
What is the fat content of this meal?
This is a low-fat dish with only 1g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
It should be cooked on the high-heat setting for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse and sort the lentils to remove any debris before adding them to the slow cooker.
What herbs are used to infuse the lentils?
The recipe uses crushed dried rosemary, sage, and a whole bay leaf for flavor.
How much water is required for this recipe?
You will need 5 cups of water, ensuring all ingredients are covered for proper cooking.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of just water?
The recipe already includes 14 ounces of vegetable broth in addition to the 5 cups of water for extra flavor.
How much ham is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced cooked ham.
What is the onion-to-lentil ratio?
The recipe uses 3 cups of chopped onions for 1 pound of dried lentils.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to the high-heat setting.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed once the cooking process is complete.
How do I know when the lentils are finished cooking?
The lentils are done when they are tender but not mushy.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can optionally garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
What can I serve with these lentils?
It is delicious on its own or served alongside crusty bread.
How much carrot is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced carrots.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
While this version uses ham, the tags suggest it can be adapted for vegetarian diets, likely by omitting the ham or using a meat substitute.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How much sage is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of sage.
What is the recommended preparation for the rosemary?
The 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary should be crushed to release its fragrance.
Is this dish considered a healthy choice?
Yes, it is a nutritious choice packed with protein and fiber.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including water and seasoning.
Should I stir the ingredients in the crock pot?
Yes, stir well to combine all ingredients evenly before starting the slow cooker.
What is the preparation for the ham?
The ham should be pre-cooked and diced into small pieces.