Ham Chickpea Lemon Dill (Printable)

A comforting blend of tender ham, creamy chickpeas, lemon, and fresh dill in a warm, flavorful broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 9 oz cooked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon

→ Herbs & Spices

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in broth and add chickpeas, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Simmer for 2-3 additional minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra dill. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes on the stove, this soup is weeknight-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
  • Bright and balanced: The combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill lifts the savory broth into something truly vibrant.
  • Hearty and satisfying: Chickpeas and ham provide a generous hit of protein and substance — roughly 18 g of protein per serving.
  • Dairy-free: Naturally free from dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
  • Flexible: Easy to adapt — swap ham for smoked turkey or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version using vegetable broth.
02 -
  • Thicken naturally: Mash a portion of the chickpeas with a fork before adding them to the pot for a creamier, more substantial texture without any added thickeners.
  • Add dill last: Fresh dill loses its delicate flavor when overcooked — always stir it in at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright, herby character.
  • Season in stages: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding the broth and again after the lemon juice — each addition changes the flavor balance.
  • Use low-sodium broth: The ham already contributes saltiness, so starting with low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final seasoning.
  • Zest before juicing: Always zest your lemon before cutting it in half to juice — it is far easier to zest a whole lemon than a squeezed one.
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