Delicious and Easy Ham Soup Recipes
Ham soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. This versatile soup can be adapted to your liking, using leftover ham bone or a fresh ham steak. Whether you prefer a creamy, chunky, or clear broth, we've got you covered with these easy-to-follow ham soup recipes.
Classic Ham and Potato Soup
This recipe is a timeless favorite, featuring tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich broth. It's incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups ham broth (or chicken broth with diced ham)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the ham broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in ham and thyme: Add the chopped ham and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Creamy Ham and Pea Soup
For a richer, creamier version of ham soup, this recipe is a must-try. The addition of peas adds sweetness and vibrant color.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ham broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced ham
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth and peas: Pour in the ham broth and add the frozen peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until peas are tender.
- Stir in ham and cream: Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Ham Soup:
- Use high-quality ham: The flavor of your ham will be the star of the show, so choose a good quality ham. Leftover ham bone adds immense flavor to the broth!
- Don't overcook the ham: Overcooked ham can become tough. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to ensure it remains tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness of the ham.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like green beans, corn, or spinach.
These recipes are just starting points; feel free to customize them to your preferences. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own signature ham soup. Enjoy!
