3 Delicious Potato Soup Recipes Using a Ham Bone

Potato soup is a comforting meal loved by many, especially when made with the rich flavor of a ham bone. This culinary delight not only offers warmth on a cold day but also represents an ingenious way to utilize leftover ingredients, thereby reducing food waste. Here, we explore three distinct potato soup recipes, each utilizing a ham bone in unique and delicious ways. These recipes are straightforward yet packed with flavor, ensuring that you can enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal fuss.

The Classic Ham and Potato Soup

This timeless recipe is a staple in many homes due to its simplicity and the heartwarming flavors it produces. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ham bone with some meat left on it
• 6-8 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Let's dive into the process:

1. In a large pot, place the ham bone, and cover with broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour to extract all the flavors from the bone.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and thyme to the pot. Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, roughly 20 minutes.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the ham bone from the pot. Remove any meat from the bone, chop, and return to the soup.
4. Stir in the cream or milk and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

📌 Note: Cooking the ham bone in the broth for an hour not only flavors the soup but also makes the ham fall off the bone easier, saving you time on chopping.

Smoky Ham Bone Potato and Kale Soup

This soup adds a healthy twist with kale and introduces a smoky flavor, enhancing the depth of the dish:

• 1 ham bone
• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white beans (optional, for added protein)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

1. Begin by boiling the ham bone in the broth for about 1 hour to get that smoky flavor. If you don't have enough time, you can simmer it for less but know the soup will be less intense.
2. Remove the bone, cut off any remaining meat, and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add potatoes, white beans, and the ham meat. Pour in the ham-flavored broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Just before serving, stir in the kale and allow it to wilt in the hot soup. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Creamy Ham Bone and Potato Chowder

For a soup with a luxurious texture, this chowder combines the earthy flavors of potato with the creamy goodness of cheese and milk:

• 1 ham bone
• 5 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Butter for sautéing
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Here’s how to prepare this comforting chowder:

1. Start by boiling the ham bone in enough water to cover it for about an hour. Then remove the bone, chop any remaining ham, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Add the cream of celery soup, potatoes, and chopped ham. Cook until the potatoes are soft.
4. Stir in shredded cheese and mustard powder if using, allowing the cheese to melt into the chowder.

📌 Note: Adding a dash of mustard powder can help balance the richness of the cheese and add a subtle depth of flavor.

In closing, these potato soup recipes show us that a ham bone, often overlooked, is a fantastic ingredient for creating diverse and flavorful meals. The classic version provides comfort, the smoky kale version offers nutrition, and the creamy chowder brings luxury to the table. Each method leverages the ham bone’s flavor to enrich the soup, making it a worthy addition to any meal planning. Not only do these soups deliver a burst of warmth and satisfaction, but they also highlight how to make the most out of leftovers, embracing sustainability in the kitchen.

Can I use a ham bone that’s been frozen?

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Yes, you can. Thaw the ham bone in the refrigerator overnight before using it to ensure it’s ready to release its flavors into the soup.

How long will ham bone soup last in the fridge?

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Generally, ham bone soup can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in these recipes?

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If you want a lighter soup, you can use milk or even a combination of milk with a little bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Alternatively, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream can be used for a dairy-free version.