Hey, Welcome to Beyond the Bayou Blog Pull up a chair and join me for a cozy chat about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Ham Soup. I still remember, It was a chilly autumn evening, and I found myself rummaging through the fridge, searching for something warm and comforting to soothe my soul.
Lo and behold, I stumbled upon a leftover ham from a recent family gathering. With a spark of inspiration, I decided to whip up a batch of hearty ham soup.
As the savory aroma filled my kitchen, memories of childhood dinners and family gatherings flooded my mind. There’s just something magical about the way a simple bowl of soup can bring people together, isn’t there?
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what to serve alongside this delicious ham soup. Well, fear not! I’ve got you covered with some tasty suggestions. Till then checkout more soup recipes if you are a soup lover like me Yakamein Soup and Taco Soup
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! I’ll show you how to turn that leftover ham into a soul-warming soup that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try experimenting with different ingredients to make this recipe your own? The possibilities are endless.
Hot Ham Soup Recipe
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.
- Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
- 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.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. Enjoy.
Notes
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference. Other options include peas, corn, or green beans.
Nutrition
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.