Ham soup, with its rich, savory flavors, is the epitome of comfort food, especially when the days grow shorter and the chill sets in. Whether you've got leftover ham from a holiday feast or simply want to explore hearty soups, these seven delicious ham soup recipes will warm your soul and satisfy your palate. Each recipe is crafted to enhance the natural flavors of ham, ensuring a delightful, soul-warming experience.
1. Classic Ham and Bean Soup
This timeless soup combines beans, ham, and a symphony of flavors for a classic dish that's both filling and comforting.
- 1 pound dry navy beans, soaked overnight
- 2 quarts water
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Begin by draining the beans. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender. Add ham, beans, water, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are soft.
🍲 Note: For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked beans before serving or use an immersion blender sparingly.
2. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
This soup turns simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth.
- 3 cups diced ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Preparation: In a large pot, cook onions until translucent. Add ham and potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Mix flour with some cream to form a slurry, then stir into the soup to thicken. Add remaining cream, season, and serve hot.
🥔 Note: Use russet potatoes for a creamier soup texture as they break down well when cooked.
3. Smoky Split Pea and Ham Soup
Here, the smoky essence of ham infuses with split peas for a bowl full of comforting goodness.
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 2 quarts water
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced smoked ham
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
Preparation: Add all ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until peas are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot. Season to taste.
4. Spicy Ham and Black Bean Soup
This soup brings a touch of spice to traditional ham soup, offering a unique, flavorful experience.
- 1 ½ cups black beans, soaked overnight
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and lime juice
Preparation: Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño until soft. Add spices, ham, tomatoes, and beans with their soaking water. Simmer for 1-2 hours. Adjust flavors with salt and a squeeze of lime before serving.
🌶 Note: Add more jalapeño if you prefer an intensely spicy soup.
5. Ham and Cabbage Soup
Simple yet utterly satisfying, this soup showcases the humble cabbage in a star role.
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and caraway seeds to taste
Preparation: In a pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add ham, cabbage, and broth. Simmer until cabbage is tender, and season with salt and caraway seeds.
6. Ham and Lentil Soup
Hearty lentils are the perfect complement to the smoky goodness of ham, creating a satisfying soup.
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Sauté the vegetables until tender. Add ham, lentils, stock, and seasonings. Simmer until lentils are cooked, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
7. Ham Chowder with Corn and Potato
Finish off with this rich, indulgent chowder, where ham meets creamy textures for a luxurious taste.
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can of cream-style corn
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt, pepper, and thyme
Preparation: Cook onions in a pot until translucent. Add ham and potatoes, then pour in the broth. Once potatoes are tender, add corn. Make a roux with flour and milk, add to thicken, then finish with cream and seasonings. Heat through and serve.
The collection of ham soup recipes provided here offers a range of flavors, from the traditional and comforting to the spicy and smoky, ensuring there's something to warm every soul on a chilly day. Whether you're looking to make the most of leftover ham or just craving a hearty meal, these soups are easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for bringing comfort to your table. Each recipe highlights the versatility of ham, ensuring each spoonful is not just nourishment but a celebration of flavors.
Can these ham soup recipes be made vegetarian?
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Yes, by replacing ham with smoked tempeh or additional vegetables like mushrooms, you can adapt these soups for a vegetarian diet. Adjust the seasonings as needed to replicate the savory flavor profile typically brought by ham.
What can I use if I don’t have a ham bone?
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Use smoked ham hocks, bacon, or even liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. These alternatives can mimic the depth of flavor that a ham bone would provide.
How long do these soups keep in the fridge?
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Most ham soups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their freshness.
