Description
Ham Bone Soup is a comforting, richly flavored soup that combines the smoky depth of a ham bone with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s a nourishing, budget-friendly, and versatile dish perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ham bone (smoked or fresh)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2–3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced or 1 cup beans (white beans or lentils)
- 8 cups water or mild broth
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Variations
- Kale, cabbage, or spinach (1-2 cups, chopped)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño (for a spicy kick)
- White beans or lentils (1 cup) for extra protein and creaminess
- Rice or barley (1/2 cup) to make the soup heartier
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Rinse the ham bone under cold water to remove excess saltiness. Place it in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water or mild broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours to develop rich flavors.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the broth simmers, heat a little oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until they are softened and fragrant. This adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the broth has developed, strain out any solids and return the clear broth to the pot. Add the sautéed vegetables back in along with potatoes or beans, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Simmer gently until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the Ham Bone Meat: Take out the ham bone and carefully shred any remaining meat, discarding excess fat and gristle. Return the shredded ham to the soup for a hearty, meaty bite.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in fresh parsley or thyme to add freshness and a lovely herbal aroma. Adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the ham bone may have imparted saltiness.
Notes
- Start with a cold pot when adding the ham bone to gradually extract maximum flavor.
- Keep the broth at a slow and steady simmer to avoid cloudiness and get the best flavor.
- Skim any foam or fat that rises to the surface to keep the soup light and clear.
- Sauté vegetables well before adding to broth to develop sweetness and complexity.
- Season gradually and taste frequently, as the ham bone can be naturally salty.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Ham Bone Soup, Hearty Soup, Smoky Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe, Budget-friendly Soup, Gluten Free Soup