Description
This Smoky Ham & Lentil Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that utilizes leftover cooked ham and roasted root vegetables, enhanced with smoked paprika and Dijon mustard for a rich, flavorful twist. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines tender lentils, savory ham, and nutritious vegetables in a warming stew served best with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Stew Ingredients
- 1 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 low-salt chicken or vegetable stock cubes or bouillon
- 140g leftover cooked ham or gammon, cut into chunks
- 350g leftover roasted root vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, celeriac or swede), chopped into chunks
- 200g pouch cooked puy lentils
- small bunch of parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and tender, releasing their flavors.
- Add spices and mustard: Stir in the smoked paprika and Dijon mustard, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their smoky aroma and the mustard to blend in.
- Add stock and ham: Crumble in the stock cubes and add the diced ham chunks along with 1 litre of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the stew: Allow the stew to gently bubble for 10 minutes to develop flavors and tenderize the ham further.
- Add vegetables and lentils: Stir in the leftover roasted root vegetables and cooked puy lentils. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat through: Continue to simmer the stew for another 5-10 minutes until it is piping hot and all ingredients are well combined.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference or diet.
- This recipe is a great way to utilize leftovers, reducing food waste and saving time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable stock cubes instead.
- Smoked paprika is key to imparting the signature smoky flavor in this stew.
- Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: smoky ham stew, lentil stew, leftover ham recipe, root vegetable stew, puy lentils, easy stew recipe, comforting winter meal
