The Ultimate Ham Soup Recipe: A Flavorful & Simple Guide
This recipe will guide you through making a hearty and delicious ham soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. We'll focus on maximizing flavor while keeping the process straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Let's dive in!
Ingredients for a Flavorful Ham Soup
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust quantities based on your needs.
- Ham: 1 pound cooked ham, diced (leftover ham works perfectly!) Consider using bone-in ham for extra richness.
- Onions: 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- Carrots: 2 large carrots, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks celery, chopped (a classic mirepoix base!)
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best for flavour)
- Potatoes: 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- Broth: 8 cups chicken or ham broth (homemade broth elevates the taste significantly!)
- Green Beans: 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, plus a pinch of dried thyme or other herbs you enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Ham Soup
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil or butter until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor base.
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Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, ham, broth, bay leaves, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
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Stir in Green Beans: Add the green beans during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
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Remove Bay Leaves and Season: Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Tips & Variations for Elevated Ham Soup
- Bone-In Ham: Using a bone-in ham adds a significant layer of depth and richness to your soup.
- Homemade Broth: Making your own broth will drastically improve the flavor profile.
- Creamy Ham Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt is a delicious topping.
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