A comforting and flavorful lentil soup with ham and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
Rinsing the lentils removes any debris and ensures a clean flavor.
In a large pot, sauté the diced ham until lightly browned.
Browning the ham enhances its flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
Cooking the vegetables releases their natural sweetness, enhancing the soup's flavor.
Add the lentils, water, black pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and grated potato to the pot.
Grating the potato helps thicken the soup naturally.
Simmer the soup over low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stirring occasionally prevents the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice before serving.
Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors of the soup.
