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Ham Soup Recipe

By: Author Anne Carter

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Ham Soup Recipe
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On a chilly day, nothing warms you like a bowl of homemade ham soup, brimming with hearty ingredients and rich, savory flavor.

This recipe turns a simple ham bone into something truly special, with comforting, familiar flavors we crave—salty, smoky ham paired with tender beans, potatoes, and vibrant vegetables. As it simmers, the whole kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that feels like home.

What makes this soup exceptional is its simplicity. A leftover ham bone not only reduces waste but also brings a depth of flavor you won’t find in any store-bought broth.

And the best part? This soup is incredibly versatile. Toss in your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, and make it uniquely yours.

Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or just craving something cozy, this ham soup is the perfect, adaptable go-to for delicious comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

  • Comfort in a Bowl: I make this recipe whenever I need something cozy and soul-warming, and it never disappoints.
  • Budget-Friendly and Resourceful: Using a leftover ham bone means I get a whole new meal out of a holiday ham.
  • Easily Customizable: Over the years, I’ve added everything from kale to diced sweet potatoes, and it always turns out delicious.
  • Nutrient-Rich and Filling: The protein from the ham and fiber from the beans make it satisfying and wholesome.
Hot Ham Soup is ready

Hot Ham Soup Recipe

Ham soup is a type of soup that contains ham as one of its main ingredients. It typically consists of a broth or stock base flavored with ham bones or ham stock, along with diced or shredded ham meat.
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
45 minutes
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 5 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Timer
  • Soup bowls for serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 6 cups broth or stock chicken or vegetable
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot over medium heat.
    Heating a large pot over medium heat to start the Ham and Vegetable Soup
  • Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
    Browning diced ham in a large pot as the first step in preparing Ham and Vegetable Soup
  • Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.
    Adding diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot
  • Stir in diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    Stirring in diced potatoes
  • Pour in the broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
    Pouring broth or stock
  • Add dried thyme and bay leaves to the pot.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
    Adding dried thyme and bay leaves to the Ham and Vegetable Soup
  • Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
    Bringing the Ham and Vegetable Soup to a gentle boil and letting it simmer
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. Enjoy.
    Serving the hot Ham and Vegetable Soup into bowls, showcasing the final step of preparation on a white marble cooktop, ready to enjoy

Notes

Use leftover ham or ham hock for added flavor, or purchase pre-diced ham from the store for convenience.
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference. Other options include peas, corn, or green beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g
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Time for the Tips!

  • For a richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a bit of butter or oil before adding the broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add additional herbs or spices such as rosemary or garlic for extra flavor.
  • Ham soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty ham soup.

What to Serve with Ham Soup?

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