Hot Ham Soup Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Hot Ham Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort on chilly days. It combines flavorful ham with fresh vegetables, making it nourishing and satisfying.

Hot ham soup with tender beans, carrots, and celery in savory broth, served with toasted bread and fresh thyme garnish

This recipe is simple to make, and it’s a great way to use leftover ham. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

How To Make Hot Ham Soup

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)

Directions:

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in the broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
  6. Add dried thyme and bay leaves to the pot.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. 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.
  9. Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. Enjoy.
Hearty hot ham soup with tender beans, carrots, and celery in a rich savory broth served warm in a Dutch oven

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of 40 minutes. It serves 6 people, and each serving has about 300 calories, along with 18 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat.

How To Serve Hot Ham Soup

Serve Hot Ham Soup in warm bowls. You can pair it with some crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor if you like. This makes it even more inviting and delicious.

How To Store Hot Ham Soup

To store Hot Ham Soup, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for later. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months.

Tips To Make Hot Ham Soup

  • Use leftover ham for added convenience and flavor.
  • You can add other vegetables like peas or green beans if you like.
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth.
  • For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Hot Ham Soup is a healthy choice because it is packed with protein from the ham, which helps build strong muscles. The vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals, making this soup a balanced meal. With ingredients like carrots and potatoes, you get fiber, which is good for digestion. This soup can be low in fat, depending on the type of ham you use, making it a nutritious option for everyone.

Variation (If Any)

You can easily modify this soup. If you want a creamier version, you can add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and use vegetable broth, adding more beans or lentils for protein.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
A: Yes, you can use fresh thyme. Just use about three times more fresh herbs than dried.

Q: Is this soup okay for freezing?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in the freezer.

Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: You can add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick. Adjust to your taste!