Ham Bone Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that makes perfect use of leftover ham and its bone. With a creamy base and chunks of potatoes, ham, and vegetables, this soup is an ideal comfort food that comes together in just over an hour. Whether for a family meal or to freeze for later, this recipe ensures nothing goes to waste and delivers maximum flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ham Stock:

1 ham bone
2 stalks celery (halved)
2 large carrots (roughly chopped)
½ large yellow onion (roughly chopped)
2 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
2 bay leaves
12 cups water

For the Ham Bone Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
3 stalks celery (chopped)
2 bay leaves
8 cups ham stock (from above)
2 cups ham (diced)
3 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 cup heavy cream or milk
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Ham Stock:

Place the ham bone, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and water in a large pot.
Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 4–6 hours.
Stir the broth, discard the bay leaves, and strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

2. Prepare the Soup:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour the ham stock into the pot and add bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Add Ham and Potatoes:

Stir in diced ham and potatoes. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Slowly add the heavy cream or milk, stirring well to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken the soup.

4. Serve:

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients (per serving, approximately)

Calories: 129 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 356 mg
Potassium: 463 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Vitamin A: 4813 IU
Vitamin C: 7 mg
Calcium: 67 mg
Iron: 1 mg

This Ham Bone Soup is a delicious way to make the most of leftovers while creating a rich, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy its versatility by adding beans, peas, or other veggies to make it your own!

A Perfect Use for Leftover Ham

After a holiday meal or Sunday dinner, leftover ham and its bone often find their way into the fridge. Ham Bone Soup is the ideal solution for making the most of these leftovers. The ham bone serves as the foundation for a rich, flavorful stock, while any remaining meat adds a hearty texture to the soup. By repurposing these ingredients, you not only reduce waste but also create a dish that rivals any restaurant offering.

Why Ham Bone Soup Stands Out

There are many reasons why Ham Bone Soup is a beloved recipe in households around the world:

Rich Flavor: The ham bone infuses the broth with deep, smoky flavors that form the backbone of the soup.
Versatility: You can easily customize this recipe with additional vegetables, beans, or grains to suit your taste preferences.
Ease of Preparation: While the soup requires simmering for optimal flavor, the actual preparation is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Comfort Factor: The creamy base, tender potatoes, and savory ham make this soup the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or cozy nights at home.

Key Components of Ham Bone Soup

1. Ham Bone Stock

The stock is the heart of this recipe, and the ham bone is what gives it its depth and richness. Simmering the bone with celery, carrots, onion, and bay leaves extracts every ounce of flavor, resulting in a broth that’s smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. This homemade stock is leagues ahead of store-bought broths in both taste and nutrition.

2. Vegetables

Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic mirepoix base, adding sweetness and earthiness to the soup. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also provide essential nutrients.

3. Potatoes

Diced russet potatoes lend body to the soup, breaking down slightly during cooking to create a naturally thick and creamy consistency. They also make the dish more filling and satisfying.

4. Ham

The diced ham adds a hearty, chewy texture that balances the creamy potatoes and tender vegetables. It also reinforces the smoky, savory notes introduced by the ham stock.

5. Cream or Milk

The addition of cream or milk gives the soup a rich, velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut milk.

Health Benefits of Ham Bone Soup

While indulgent in flavor, Ham Bone Soup also offers several health benefits:

High in Protein: The ham provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The carrots, celery, and potatoes contribute a range of vitamins, including A, C, and potassium, which support immunity and heart health.
Hydrating and Nourishing: The soup’s broth-based nature helps with hydration while delivering essential electrolytes.
Customizable Nutrition: By adding additional vegetables like kale, spinach, or peas, you can boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.

Tips for Making the Perfect Ham Bone Soup

Choose a Good Ham Bone: A bone with some meat still attached will yield a more flavorful and satisfying soup.
Simmer Slowly: Allow the stock to simmer on low heat for several hours to extract the maximum flavor from the ham bone and aromatics.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, high-quality vegetables enhance the overall taste and texture of the soup.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, especially if your ham was heavily salted.
Let It Rest: Like many soups, Ham Bone Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

Variations and Additions

Ham Bone Soup is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

Add Beans or Lentils: White beans, split peas, or lentils add protein and fiber, making the soup even heartier.
Incorporate Leafy Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Include Grains: Barley, rice, or quinoa can be added to bulk up the soup.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of heat and extra depth.
Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Ham Bone Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with complementary sides:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Crackers or Cornbread: These options add a satisfying crunch or sweetness to the meal.

For a more elegant presentation, garnish the soup with fresh parsley, chives, or even crispy fried onions.

Storing and Freezing Ham Bone Soup

This soup stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Ham Bone Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Ham Bone Soup is more than just a way to use up leftovers—it’s a culinary celebration of resourcefulness and flavor. This hearty, comforting dish transforms a humble ham bone into a rich, satisfying meal that nourishes both the body and the soul. With its creamy base, tender vegetables, and smoky ham, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or stocking your freezer with wholesome meals, Ham Bone Soup is a timeless dish that never fails to deliver. Try it today and experience the magic of turning leftovers into something extraordinary!

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