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Ham Bone Soup

Ham Bone Soup
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Ham Bone Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines smoky ham bone broth with fresh vegetables and herbs to create a nourishing and flavorful meal. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup simmers slowly to develop deep, rich flavors while using simple and budget-friendly ingredients. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own comforting classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ham bone (leftover from smoked or baked ham)
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 8 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth can be used)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Variations & Add-ins

  • 1 cup kale or spinach (for added greens)
  • 1 cup cooked beans or lentils (for extra protein)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spice)
  • Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes or turnips
  • Use low-sodium broth and omit added salt for a heart-friendly option

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the ham bone under cold water to remove excess salt or debris and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil or butter. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the Ham Bone and Liquid: Place the ham bone in the pot and pour enough water or broth to cover the bone and vegetables by a few inches. Add bay leaves and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer Slowly: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking extracts the smoky, savory flavor from the ham bone, enriching the broth.
  5. Add Potatoes and Final Seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped potatoes to the pot and continue simmering until tender. Remove the ham bone, strip off any remaining meat, chop it, and return it to the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove bay leaves and peppercorns. Sprinkle fresh parsley (or chives) on top before ladling the soup into bowls. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits.

Notes

  • Use quality ham bones from smoked or baked hams for the best flavor.
  • Slow simmering helps break down collagen, making the broth rich and silky.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface during cooking for a cleaner taste.
  • Pick off all meat from the bone before discarding for maximum ham in your soup.
  • Adjust liquid by adding water or broth as needed if soup reduces too much during simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham Bone Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Leftover Ham Recipe, Slow Simmer Soup, Easy Soup, Winter Soup

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/ham-bone-soup/