There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of ham bone soup, especially on a chilly day. It’s like a hug from the inside! This recipe is perfect for making the most of leftover ham, transforming what could be waste into a hearty, flavorful meal. I remember growing up, my family would gather around the table, savoring every spoonful of this delightful soup. My grandma would always say that the secret was in the slow simmer, letting all those wonderful flavors meld together. Trust me, there’s no better way to bring everyone together than with a pot of this deliciousness bubbling on the stove!
Ingredients for Ham Bone Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful ham bone soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ham bone (with some meat attached for extra flavor)
- 6 cups water (to create a rich broth)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (I love using Yukon Gold for creaminess)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (for that sweet crunch)
- 1 cup chopped celery (adds a nice texture)
- 1 onion, chopped (I always go for yellow onions for their sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh, it works wonderfully)
- 1 bay leaf (for that subtle depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to taste as you go!)
These simple ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty soup that’s sure to please!
How to Prepare Ham Bone Soup
Making ham bone soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a big pot of cozy goodness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the ham bone in a large pot. This is where all the flavor magic begins!
- Pour in 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. This will create a rich broth.
- Once boiling, add in your diced potatoes, chopped carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir it all together!
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is when those delightful flavors really meld together.
- After simmering, carefully remove the ham bone and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, shred the ham off the bone and return it to the pot.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes to warm everything through.
- Serve hot and enjoy every heartwarming spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses leftover ham, turning scraps into a delicious meal
- Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy dinner
- Easy to make with simple steps—great for busy weeknights
- Versatile with vegetables; feel free to toss in whatever you have!
- Low-fat option that doesn’t skimp on flavor
This soup is truly a winner in my book! You’ll love how it warms you up while making the most of what you already have. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success
To make your ham bone soup absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the simmering process; the longer it simmers, the more flavorful your broth will be. If you have time, let it simmer for a bit longer than 2 hours—it really makes a difference! Also, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors. And remember, always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning and make it your own. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your soup to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for this hearty ham bone soup, based on a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But regardless, you’re getting a filling, nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use any type of ham bone for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a leftover bone from a holiday ham or a smoked ham bone, either works wonderfully. Just make sure there’s some meat left on it for that extra flavor.
What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
No worries at all! This ham bone soup recipe is super flexible. You can add any veggies you have on hand, like green beans or corn. It’s all about using what you’ve got!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. It’s a great way to let those flavors develop while you go about your day!
How can I thicken my ham bone soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) towards the end of cooking. Stir until it thickens up nicely!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftover ham bone soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container. And if you want to save it for later, it freezes well too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ham bone soup is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week. If you want to save it for even longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to help it heat evenly. If it’s too thick for your liking, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got a pot of delicious ham bone soup, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to really enhance your meal experience! I love pairing it with a warm, crusty loaf of bread—there’s nothing like dipping a slice into that hearty broth. You could also whip up a simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic companion! The gooey, melty cheese pairs perfectly with the savory soup. And don’t forget about crackers or cornbread—both are great for adding a bit of crunch. Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your ham bone soup into a truly comforting meal that everyone will love!
Imprimer
Ham Bone Soup Recipes: 7 Heartwarming Delights to Savor
- Temps Total: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty and flavorful ham bone soup that makes the most of leftover ham.
Ingrédients
- 1 ham bone
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the ham bone in a large pot.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the ham bone and let it cool.
- Shred the ham and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well for future meals.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: ham bone soup recipes
