For months now, I have heard nothing but good things about lentils. The only problem being that each time I went to the store to get them, the store that I was at only had their store brand, which was always cross contaminated with wheat. That meant I had to keep forgoing lentils until I came across some that were not contaminated.
Finally, as I shopped a different store a few weeks ago, I was pleased to find gluten free lentils!
One of the things I heard about lentils is they are great for lowering cholesterol. Even with eating healthy, I have high cholesterol due to genetics and family history. I have been trying my hardest to lower it naturally, and I sure do hope it works! Lentils are said to be a super-food and a very affordable one too. They're also easy to adapt to any flavor. Like this lentils and rice recipe from Steph, full of Asian spices and heat.
I am learning that you can use lentils in all sorts of food items that you eat daily to add a boost of antioxidants. I am hoping to try them out in Sloppy Joes and even Tacos too. I am also crossing my fingers that I can get my son to try some, he is an extremely picky eater, and so it's always a test with him.
As I cooked with them for the first time recently, I knew I wanted to try them with soup. As Easter is upon us, I am certain we will all be overloaded with lots of leftover ham.
This recipe is the perfect way to use up some of that leftover ham and recreate a whole new meal! On top of that, the addition of just a cup of dry lentils adds a whole new level of nutrition to the meal. I also decided to add similar ingredients that I use for my Beef & Veggie Soup to this Slow Cooker Lentil & Ham Soup.
Now, prep the slow cooker then sit back and let dinner simmer away. This soup is also fabulous paired with a side of Gluten Free Homemade Cornbread.
Slow Cooker Ham Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ham, diced and cubed (cooked)
- 1 cup dry lentils, certified gluten free
- 14 1/2 ounces beef broth, 1 can
- 15 ounces tomato sauce, 1 can
- 1 cup corn
- 2 medium white potatoes, diced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound baby carrot
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup white table wine
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 cups water
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, spray it with non-stick spray, then place all ingredients in the slow cooker, up until the 4 cups of water. At this point, fill the slow cooker until all the ingredients are nicely covered with water, generally this is about 4 cups.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, set to warm until ready to serve.
- Add salt/pepper to taste or additional parsley when serving.
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