Instant Pot Ham and Lentil Soup

Instant Pot ham and lentil soup is a hearty way to turn cooked ham into a warming one-pot meal. Lentils simmer with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and chicken broth; a cup of Chardonnay adds the white-wine flavor Dr. J says lifts the soup. Pecorino Romano and fresh parsley finish each bowl.

I start by sautéing the vegetables and ham, then add the garlic, Chardonnay, lentils, herbs, and broth. After just 9 minutes of pressure cooking and a 20-minute natural release, the soup is ready to finish with freshly grated Pecorino Romano and parsley. If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute water.

A Hearty Soup That’s Perfect for Leftover Ham

One of my favorite things about making a holiday ham is having leftovers for another meal. And this Instant Pot Ham and Lentil Soup is a wonderful way to put them to good use!

The combination of tender lentils, smoky ham, carrots, celery, onion, and fresh herbs makes a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

I also add a cup of Chardonnay. It brings a little extra depth to the broth and complements the ham and vegetables beautifully.

And because we’re using the Instant Pot, we don’t have to spend hours watching a pot simmer on the stove.

My Tips for the Best Ham and Lentil Soup

Use leftover cooked ham. I usually add about 1½ to 2 cups of diced ham. It’s a great way to use what you have after a holiday dinner.

Rinse and sort the lentils. Before adding them to the Instant Pot, rinse the dried lentils and check for any small stones or debris. There’s no need to soak them overnight for this recipe.

Sauté the vegetables first. I start with carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil. Just a couple of minutes helps build flavor before adding the remaining ingredients.

Give the ham a little time in the pot. Stirring the diced ham into the sautéed vegetables helps bring all those savory flavors together.

Let the wine cook briefly. I add the Chardonnay after the garlic and let it cook for about two minutes before adding the lentils and broth.

Don’t rush the pressure release. After nine minutes of high-pressure cooking, I let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 20 minutes. Then I carefully release any remaining pressure.

Wait until the end to add salt. Ham and chicken broth can already contain plenty of sodium. I always taste the finished soup before deciding whether it needs additional salt.

Why I Love Cooking Lentils in the Instant Pot

Lentils are a wonderful ingredient to keep in the pantry. They’re affordable, versatile, and make soups especially satisfying.

Unlike many dried beans, lentils generally don’t require soaking before cooking. That makes them convenient when you want a homemade meal without much advance planning.

The Instant Pot is especially helpful because it cooks the lentils and vegetables together while allowing all those wonderful flavors to develop.

For this recipe, I use one cup of dried lentils with four cups of chicken broth and one cup of white wine or water.

The result is a hearty soup that’s substantial enough to serve as dinner.

What to Serve with Ham and Lentil Soup

I love serving this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm homemade roll.

A simple green salad is another wonderful option, especially if you’re serving the soup for lunch.

And don’t forget the finishing touches! I like adding freshly grated Pecorino Romano and a little chopped parsley to each bowl.

The cheese adds a delicious savory flavor, while the parsley brings a little freshness and color.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This is a great soup to prepare ahead because the flavors continue to develop as it sits.

Let the soup cool slightly, then refrigerate it promptly in shallow, airtight containers. Enjoy within 3–4 days.

Lentils absorb liquid as they sit, so you may find that the soup becomes thicker in the refrigerator. Simply add a little chicken broth or water when reheating until you reach your preferred consistency.

You can also freeze individual portions for up to three months for the best quality.

Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup without wine?

Absolutely! I love the flavor Chardonnay adds, but you can replace the cup of white wine with one cup of water. The soup will still be delicious.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No. Just rinse and sort the dried lentils before adding them to the Instant Pot.

How long does the soup cook in the Instant Pot?

I pressure-cook the soup on High for 9 minutes, followed by a 20-minute natural pressure release. Remember to allow additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

Can I use a 6-quart Instant Pot?

This recipe was made in my 8-quart Instant Pot, but the ingredient quantities should also fit comfortably in a 6-quart model. Always follow your machine’s maximum-fill guidelines, particularly when cooking ingredients such as lentils that can expand and foam.

Can I use a different type of lentil?

You can experiment with different varieties, but cooking times and textures vary. Brown or green lentils generally hold their shape better than red lentils, which tend to soften and break down more quickly.

Why did my soup become so thick?

Lentils continue absorbing liquid after cooking. If your soup thickens while sitting or after refrigeration, stir in a little additional broth or water when reheating.

More Hearty Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Ham and Lentil Soup, here are a few more comforting homemade recipes to try.

• Instant Pot Ham with Pineapple Glaze and Smashed Potatoes – A delicious way to prepare a holiday ham with a sweet and savory pineapple glaze. Save the leftovers for this lentil soup!
• Instant Pot Cauliflower and Potato Soup – A creamy, comforting soup made with cauliflower, potatoes, garlic, and broth. Add your favorite baked potato toppings before serving.
• Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage – A hearty Louisiana-inspired dinner with red beans, smoky sausage, and Cajun seasonings.
• Explore All My Instant Pot Recipes – Discover more pressure-cooker soups, dinners, and easy homemade meals for busy weeknights.

I love being able to turn leftover ingredients into something completely different. This Ham and Lentil Soup is a delicious reminder that a homemade dinner can be comforting, affordable, and easy to prepare.

Watch Dr. J Make Instant Pot Ham and Lentil Soup

Watch Dr. J make Instant Pot Ham and Lentil Soup and see how it comes together.