Jana's Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup in a Pressure Cooker

This comforting soup combines tender lentils and savory ham for a satisfying meal that's ready in no time. Perfect for busy days, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make using your pressure cooker.

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TIME1 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Jana's Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup in a Pressure Cooker

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds smoked ham shanks 10 cups water 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 carrots, thinly sliced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, pressed 2 cups lentils 1 ¼ teaspoons dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes ground black pepper to taste 1 teaspoon vinegar, or more to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Pressure Cook Ham Shanks

Start by putting the ham shanks and water into your pressure cooker and bring it up to pressure on medium heat. Once it hits 15 pounds of pressure, turn the heat down to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes. When the time's up, carefully release the pressure right away using your cooker’s recommended method. Take out the ham shanks with a slotted spoon and set them aside to cool. Once cool enough, shred the meat off the bones and set it aside. Pour the broth into a separate bowl for later.

02

Saut Vegetables and Cook

Next, heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook them gently, stirring often, until everything is soft and starting to shrink—this should take around 20 minutes. Then, stir in the lentils, 8 cups of the reserved ham broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Lock the lid back on, bring the pressure up to 15 pounds again, and cook for 6 minutes. When done, release the pressure immediately.

03

Add and Simmer Ingredients

Finally, stir in the tomatoes, shredded ham, black pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Let everything simmer gently over low heat until warmed through, then it’s ready to serve.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the lentils well before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
- Use smoked ham or ham hocks for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly if using different types of lentils, as some cook faster than others.

Why you’ll love it

This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. The pressure cooker helps develop deep flavors quickly, turning simple ingredients into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the broth. A side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast. You can also top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for extra freshness.

Storage & leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.