Beans are a South Louisiana tradition, and I’ve written much about red beans and white beans, and how they have multiple uses in the Cajun kitchen. But lentils don’t normally come to mind in the Cajun cooking conversation. Not sure why.
Fresh ingredients combine in a comforting bowl of Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup. (All photos credit: George Graham)
Lentils are a tradition of French cooking, and the good folks at New Orleans-based Camellia brand beans have been marketing their 1-pound package of lentils for years.
This is a simple and easy Cajun recipe for Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup with just a few familiar ingredients.
With my recipe for Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup, I think it is time lentils come out of the shadow of their more popular cousins and take a starring role in a hearty, heart-warming soup. Well, at least a co-starring role. The addition of aromatic leeks and savory mirliton squash bring depth to the soup pot, and when spiked with smoked ham, this soup shines.
When it comes to cooking comfort food like this Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup, the whole thing should be, well, comfortable. And this easy Cajun recipe has little prep with a no-fuss process. But make no mistake, although this soup is short on steps, it is long on flavor. Ladle a bowlful of this Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup and treat yourself to a lazy, laid-back dinner.
You deserve it.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped leeks
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1½ cups roughly chopped mirliton squash
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 3 quarts chicken stock
- 1 (1-pound) package lentils, such as Camellia
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the onion, leeks, celery, and squash, and cook until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and ham, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and add the lentils. Bring to a boil, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve in bowls with hot French bread.
Warm up to this Lentil, Leek, and Mirliton Soup and the flavors will bowl you over.
YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE: If you like this Cajun cooking story and Cajun recipe then accept my personal invitation to subscribe by entering your email at the bottom or top right of this page. It’s quick and painless. You will receive an email alert and be the first to see when new Cajun cooking stories and Cajun recipes are added. Thanks, George.
I am eager to try this new soup recipe. Meanwhile, I would be very grateful if you would re-publish or send me your recipe for carrot soup, it is not in your cookbook, and I can’t find it in your archives, yet it was the best carrot soup I’ve ever made. I so regret not printing out the recipe. Thank you.
Hey Andrew- Thanks for the kind comment. And stay tuned!
Made it this weekend. I respected your “this doesn’t need spicy seasoning” recommendation. I used a “no salt” chicken broth. The salt from the smoked pork almost did the trick. Only added salt to the bowl after serving. But this was really flavorful; others thought that this recipe was a keeper also. Thank you for sharing!
Southerner In The North- Thanks for the positive review. Sometimes we over season our dishes rather than let the flavors of the main ingredients shine. This is one of those recipes that a light hand on the spice pays off. Glad you agree. All the best.