Ham and Lentil Stew

This Ham and Lentil Stew recipe came out of a wish to use up a ton of cooked ham I had sometime last year.

It is warm and comforting and substantial enough to serve up for a weekday supper and not leave anyone feeling hungry.

Also, surprisingly, my family (who don’t always welcome suppers that aren’t meat-and-two-veg) like it and went back for second (and third) helpings.

And it’s quick to make – so everyone’s happy!

Ham and Lentil Stew

(Serves 4)
Time taken: 30 mins
Total Cost: £2.45
.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped (8p from Sainsburys basics onions 1.5kg)
  • 3 medium carrots (~250g), peeled and diced (18p)
  • 2 medium potatoes (~350g), peeled and diced (28p)
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes (34p)
  • 750mls vegetable stock (4p)
  • 100g cooked lentils (I used green lentils – 22p)
  • 150 – 200g cooked ham cut into chunks – I had frozen pre-cooked ham in 200g packets so used that amount which turned out to be generous (£1.11)
  • ½ teasp dried basil
  • ½ teasp dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
  • oil for frying
  • (guestimate 20p for last 4 items)

Directions

  1. Fry the onion in a little oil until softened.
  2. Add the potatoes, carrots and herbs and stir over the heat for a minute or two.
  3. Add the tomatoes, ~500mls vegetable stock and simmer for 15-20 minutes, adding more stock as necessary, until the lentils and veg are cooked.
  4. Add ham and the cooked lentils and stir in for a couple of minutes to heat through. Taste – season with black pepper (the ham probably has enough salt).
  5. Serve with deliciously warm, crusty bread.
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