Ah, ham bone soup! This dish holds such a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Growing up, my grandmother would make this soup whenever we had a holiday feast. She’d save the leftover ham bone and turn it into the most deliciously hearty soup that would warm you from the inside out. The aroma would fill the entire house, drawing everyone to the kitchen, eager for a taste. It’s incredible how a simple ham bone can transform into something so flavorful and comforting. Trust me, once you make this ham bone soup, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your home too. You’ll love how it’s not just a meal, but a way to gather family around the table, sharing stories and enjoying the warmth of good food together.
Ingredients for Ham Bone Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious ham bone soup that’s bursting with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ham bone (the star of the show!)
- 6 cups water (this will create a lovely broth)
- 2 cups diced carrots (for that sweet, earthy flavor)
- 2 cups diced celery (adds a nice crunch and aroma)
- 1 cup chopped onion (for a savory base)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (makes the soup hearty and filling)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (for protein and creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (a touch of herbal goodness)
- 1 bay leaf (for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always taste as you go!)
These ingredients blend beautifully together, creating a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Ham Bone Soup
Making ham bone soup is a straightforward process, and I promise it’s worth every minute! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by placing your ham bone in a large pot and pouring in 6 cups of water. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Wow, the aroma already starts to fill the kitchen!
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, so let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows all that ham flavor to infuse the broth.
- Next, toss in your diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and potatoes. These veggies will add a beautiful texture and flavor to your soup. Stir everything together to combine.
- Now, it’s time to add the star players: the white beans, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir again and let it simmer for another 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll want to check on it occasionally, giving it a little stir and ensuring it doesn’t boil too vigorously.
- Once the time is up, carefully remove the ham bone and let it cool slightly. Shred any remaining ham and return it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your hearty ham bone soup is ready to warm your soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham bone soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Hearty Flavor: The combination of ham, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich, comforting taste that’s hard to beat.
- Quick Preparation: With just a little chopping and stirring, you can set this soup to simmer and let the flavors develop.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein from the beans, it’s a nutritious choice that’s low in fat!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation with family or friends.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for a quick meal on busy days!
Trust me, this soup will become your new favorite go-to recipe for cold evenings or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ham bone soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Use a good quality ham bone: The flavor of your soup hinges on the quality of the ham bone. A bone with plenty of meat on it will give you the best results.
- Don’t rush the simmering: Patience is key! Allow the soup to simmer to really develop those rich flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
- Taste as you go: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper.
- Add veggies later: If you like your veggies to have a bit of crunch, toss in some of them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Storage tips: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its deliciousness!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to whip up a fantastic ham bone soup that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information for Ham Bone Soup
Knowing the nutritional values of your delicious ham bone soup can help you enjoy it even more! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
These numbers are based on estimates, but they give you a solid idea of what you’re enjoying in each hearty bowl. With plenty of veggies and protein from the beans, this soup is not just comforting but also a nourishing choice for your meal!
FAQ About Ham Bone Soup
Got questions about making this tasty ham bone soup? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ham is traditional, you can use smoked turkey or even a beef bone for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have a ham bone?
No problem! You can make a delicious soup using diced ham or leftover cooked ham instead.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. It’ll be just as flavorful!
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s packed with veggies and flavors that kids usually love. Plus, they can help with the stirring!
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans or add a little cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Now, you’re all set to tackle any questions that come your way while making this comforting ham bone soup!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious ham bone soup properly is crucial to keeping all that rich flavor intact! Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep things fresh and are easy to reheat in the microwave. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or if you want to save some for later, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to label it with the date, and it will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat, just scoop out the amount you want and warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You’ll want to enjoy every last drop of that comforting goodness!
Variations of Ham Bone Soup
One of the best things about ham bone soup is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn, green beans, or even kale for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Wow, what a flavor explosion!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: For a deeper taste, add a dash of smoked paprika or some diced smoked sausage along with the ham bone.
- Beans Galore: Swap the white beans for black beans or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
These variations will let you create a unique bowl of ham bone soup every time, making it a recipe you can enjoy over and over again!
Drucken
Ham Bone Soup: 5 Hearty Secrets to Comforting Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
A hearty and flavorful ham bone soup made with vegetables and beans.
Zutaten
- 1 ham bone
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Add ham bone and water to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes.
- Stir in white beans, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove ham bone and let cool.
- Shred any remaining ham and return to soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use leftover ham for extra flavor.
- This soup freezes well.
- Add more vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: ham bone soup, soup, hearty soup, ham soup
