Hearty Lentil, Ham, and Green Vegetable Soup
A deeply savory homemade soup combining tender brown lentils, lean ham, broccoli florets, and crisp green beans. It provides a comforting, high-fiber, and gluten-free dinner packed with clean protein.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Makes
4 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Jaye + Lila
Jaye created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Basic kitchen utensils
Time saver
For meal prep, store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Heat olive oil until shimmering
- 01
Heat olive oil until shimmering
In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.
Look for: shimmering
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add diced brown onion
Add diced brown onion, diced celery stalk, and minced garlic clove, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until vegetables are soft and translucent.
Look for: vegetables are soft and translucent
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add rinsed brown lentils
Add rinsed brown lentils, diced smoked ham steak, dried thyme, and low-sodium vegetable broth to the pot.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Bring the liquid to a rolling boil…
Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
Look for: lentils are tender
Tap card to mark done - 05
Uncover and stir in bite-sized broccoli florets…
Uncover and stir in bite-sized broccoli florets and trimmed green beans.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 6…
Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the broccoli and green beans are tender-crisp and bright green.
Look for: the broccoli and green beans are tender-crisp and bright green
Tap card to mark done - 07
Stir in fresh lemon juice and black…
Stir in fresh lemon juice and black pepper, then ladle a portion into a deep soup bowl and serve hot.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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