Italian-Style Prosciutto and Lentils
Tender green lentils, savory prosciutto cotto, sweet potatoes, and yellow carrots come together in this comforting Italian-style dish.
Simmered with garlic, red onion, and tomato paste, the lentils develop a rich flavor that complements the tender cubes of cooked Italian ham. It’s a satisfying meal made with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich, savory flavor: Prosciutto cotto adds a delicate, meaty flavor that complements the earthy lentils and tomato-rich broth.
A satisfying one-pot meal: Lentils and vegetables cook together in one pot, with the prosciutto warmed separately before being added.
Naturally sweet vegetables: Yellow carrots and sweet potatoes bring subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
Great for leftovers: The lentils absorb more of the surrounding flavors as they rest, making this dish just as enjoyable the next day.
For another way to prepare lentils, try Instant Pot Cider Braised French Lentils With Leeks And Chives. This French-inspired preparation combines lentils with apple cider, leeks, and fresh chives for a different balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Italian-Style Prosciutto and Lentils
Italian-Style Prosciutto and Lentils combines tender green lentils, cubed prosciutto cotto, sweet potatoes, and yellow carrots in a savory tomato-flavored broth.
The vegetables add a touch of natural sweetness, while the cooked Italian ham brings a rich, delicate flavor to this hearty, comforting dish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Main Ingredients: Green lentils, prosciutto cotto, sweet potato, yellow carrots, and tomato paste
Ingredients
2 medium stalks celery, diced
2 medium yellow carrots, diced
1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 small red onion chopped
1/2 cup tomato paste
1½ cups dried green lentils, rinsed and sorted
4 1/2 cups broth, your choice beef – chicken – vegetable (Recipe Here For A Chicken Stock)
3/4 pound prosciutto cotto – about 2 slices 1/2 inch cut, cut into 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch squares
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons avocado oil
Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.
Instructions
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic – sauté until fragrant.
Next add prepared onion – carrots and sweet potato and mix together.
Next add rinsed lentils and mix in. Then add tomato paste and stir being sure ever lentil is coated.
Add broth, place lid on pot and simmer 30 minutes or until lentils are cooked.
After 30 minutes there will be only about 1 cup or so of broth – drain and set aside – leave lentil mixture in soup pot.
In a warm pan with avocado oil add some prosciutto fat trimmed from the prosciutto cotto, add pork meat and sauté until meat is warmed.
Remove meat from heat and add to lentil mixture and mix in. Spoon Prosciutto Cotto and Lentils to a platter and serve.
How to Serve
Italian-Style Prosciutto and Lentils makes a satisfying main dish, especially during cooler weather.
Serve the warm lentils in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper.
A side of toasted rustic bread is excellent for scooping up the lentils and soaking up any remaining savory broth.
For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
If you enjoy lentils prepared with pasta, try Syrian-Style Pasta and Lentils With Pomegranate Molasses – Harak Osbao. This traditional Syrian-inspired dish combines lentils and pasta with warm spices, browned onions, and tangy pomegranate molasses.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerating: Transfer leftovers to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Store for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Divide the cooled lentils into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating: Warm the lentils in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture has thickened during storage.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prosciutto cotto?
Prosciutto cotto is an Italian cooked ham, typically made from the pork hind leg. Unlike dry-cured prosciutto crudo, it has a moist, tender texture and a milder flavor.
For this recipe, thick slices are cut into cubes, giving the finished dish substantial pieces of tender ham throughout the lentils.
Can I substitute another type of ham?
Yes. A good-quality cooked deli ham or unsmoked tavern ham can replace prosciutto cotto.
Choose a thick-cut ham that can be diced into approximately ½-inch cubes. Smoked ham can also be used, although it will change the flavor of the finished dish.
Do green lentils need to be soaked before cooking?
No. Green lentils can be cooked directly without soaking.
Sort through the dried lentils to remove any debris, then rinse them under cold running water before adding them to the pot.
Can I use brown lentils instead of green?
Yes. Brown lentils are a suitable substitute, although they may become softer during cooking.
Green lentils generally retain their shape well, making them a good choice for this hearty dish.
Can I use red lentils?
Red lentils are not the best choice for this particular recipe because they soften and break down quickly.
If you enjoy their naturally creamy texture, try Instant Pot Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk. This Indian-inspired dish combines red lentils with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and warming spices.
Why does this recipe use both olive oil and avocado oil?
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and vegetables, contributing its distinctive flavor to the lentil mixture.
Avocado oil is used separately to warm the prosciutto cotto and its trimmed fat before combining it with the cooked lentils.
What does the sweet potato add to this recipe?
Sweet potato provides natural sweetness and a soft texture that contrasts with the firmer green lentils.
Together with the yellow carrots, it balances the savory flavor of the prosciutto and the concentrated tomato paste.
Is Italian-Style Prosciutto and Lentils gluten-free and dairy-free?
The recipe contains no dairy ingredients and can be gluten-free.
Check the labels on the prosciutto cotto, broth, and tomato paste to make sure they contain no gluten ingredients. If serving with bread, choose a gluten-free variety when needed.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The lentils and vegetables can be prepared ahead and refrigerated.
When ready to serve, reheat the lentil mixture with a little broth if necessary. Warm the prosciutto separately and stir it into the lentils before serving.
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We make things like this with lentils except thereis no meat at all. I did not know there was that much protein in lentils. 🙂
Me neither Jackie until I made this recipe and posted it. I would say with all that protein in the legume- meat is optional 👍🏼😃
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.