soups with leftover ham recipe

soups with leftover ham recipe

The Best soups with leftover ham recipe

I’ve been making soups with leftover ham recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The dish originated from my grandmother, who would often make a big batch of soup using leftover ham from our family gatherings.

The flavors and textures of this soup are just perfect – the tender chunks of ham, the sweetness of the vegetables, and the rich broth all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. One of the key techniques to making this soup is to use a combination of vegetables that cook quickly and add a burst of flavor to the dish.

My kids love helping me chop the veggies and stir the pot as we cook. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, with all the benefits of slow-cooked vegetables and lean protein from the ham.

Ham and Vegetable Soup

Ham and Vegetable Soup

4.6 from 617 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with leftover ham, vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for using up leftovers and enjoying a warm meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 cups diced leftover ham
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
5Add diced potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, and water.
6Bring to a boil.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
8Stir in bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
9Add diced ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until ham is heated through and vegetables are tender.
10Remove bay leaf.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.
13Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like peas or corn if desired. For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving.

Watch Video Of How Ham and Vegetable Soup Works

This soups with leftover ham recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – simply swap out different veggies or add some new seasonings to keep things interesting.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – all those slow-cooked veggies and lean protein from the ham make for a nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Vegetable Soup

Q: What type of vegetables are best for this soup?

A: I like to use a combination of carrots, potatoes, and onions for their sweetness and texture. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies!

Q: Can I use fresh ham instead of leftover?

A: While fresh ham can work in this recipe, it’s not ideal – you want that rich, savory flavor that comes from slow-cooking leftover meat. If you must use fresh ham, try adding some smoked paprika or bacon bits to give it that same depth of flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers safely?

A: Make sure to refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking, and always check for spoilage before reheating. When reheating, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! In fact, using a slow cooker is one of the best ways to bring out the rich flavors in this soup. Simply brown the ham and cook the veggies before adding everything to your slow cooker – let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender perfection.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

A: Unfortunately, no – this recipe relies heavily on leftover ham for its signature flavor and texture. However, feel free to experiment with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or seitan for a vegetarian version.

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