Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham (Linsensuppe mit Schinken)

by: Gerhild Fulson  / Oma Gerhild shares German recipes rooted in family tradition.

Updated: January 6, 2026

This hearty German lentil soup (linsensuppe) is a family favorite, perfect for dinners and even special gatherings. Packed with lentils, root vegetables, and savory broth, it's both comforting and nourishing.

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Slow cooker German lentil soup -- so good, so healthy, and so easy! This Oma just loves slow cooker soups!

If you happen to have a leftover meaty ham bone, then this linsensuppe really needs to be next on the menu. In fact, making this soup is one of the reasons I buy that ham in the first place. The ham dinner that happens before this soup is just incidental! Although sausages and other meats work, there’s really nothing quite like using a ham bone for that traditional German flavor.

Top Tips for Best Results

1. No Pre-Soaking Needed: Lentils cook beautifully in the slow cooker without soaking. Just rinse well before adding.
2. Finish with Vinegar: Stir in vinegar at the end for that classic German tang—don’t skip it!
3. Vegan Hack: Leave out the ham bone, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.

Extra Tips & Flavor Ideas

• No veggie stock? Use water + bouillon cubes (per package) to make 8 cups
• Flavor boosters: cumin, coriander, turmeric, thyme, or oregano
• German touch: finish with vinegar or lemon juice
• Add ½ cup chopped cilantro just before serving
• Stir in fresh spinach 30 minutes before the end for extra nutrients
• Potatoes = traditional. Tomatoes & cauliflower = not
• Not vegan? Use chicken stock, sprinkle with feta, or add smoked sausage/wieners

My Favorite Way

This is how I usually make it, starting with a good meat broth and tossing in some smoked sausages. That’s the way my family likes it. But if you’re leaning toward more meatless meals, this soup is a great place to start. It’s hearty, packed with protein from the lentils, and so full of flavor that you won’t even miss the meat.

I often change up the veggies and spices, depending on what I have on hand. 

I use my Cuisinart multi-cooker slow cooker for this (love that thing!), but it works just as well on the stovetop. Just plan for 1 to 2 hours of gentle simmering until everything is tender and delicious.

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How To Serve Lentil Soup

I grew up with adding a spoonful of vinegar to my bowl of soup. So good!

However, my Vati's Mutti would add a spoonful of honey to her bowl. Somehow I never could try it her way. I just loved my 'vinegary' taste too much :)

Are there any other things you add to your lentil soup? Let me know!

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham (Linsensuppe mit Schinken)

This lentil soup is quick to prep in the morning and ready to enjoy by dinner, delicious with meat or with a vegan option!

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

8-10 hours

Total Time:

8-10 hours

Servings:

6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (360 grams) green or brown lentils, well rinsed
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 2 carrots, cubed
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water or broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons (12 grams) salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vinegar, or to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients, except the vinegar, into the slow cooker.
2. Stir, cover, and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
3. Remove the bay leaves and the bone from the soup. Scrape off any bits of remaining meat and return the meat to the soup.
4. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Stir in the vinegar and serve.

Hints & Tips

• Instead of a ham bone, use 1 pound (454 grams) cubed kielbasa or sausages.
• Instead of adding vinegar to the soup prior to serving, allow each person to add it to their own bowl prior to eating.
• I like adding Montreal Steak Spice to give a bit of extra spice.
• If I add water instead of broth, I'll also include about a teaspoon of Vegeta.
• Make this soup vegan by omitting the ham bone and using water or vegetable broth.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated January 6, 2026

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.