This ham bone soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for utilizing leftover ham bones. With a medley of vegetables and beans, it’s a nutrient-rich meal that's easy to prepare in a slow cooker.
While most of the ingredients are common, you might need to be aware of cannellini beans. These are white beans that are slightly nutty in flavor. If you can't find them, navy beans or great northern beans can be good substitutes.
Ingredients for Ham Bone Soup
Meaty ham bone: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty goodness to the soup.
Yukon gold potatoes: Adds creaminess and thickness to the soup.
Carrots: Brings sweetness and color to the dish.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and herbaceous note.
Corn: Provides a pop of sweetness and texture.
Large onion: Adds depth and a slightly sweet undertone to the soup.
Cannellini beans: Offers creaminess and boosts the protein content.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
Bay leaves: Infuses the soup with a fragrant, herbal note.
Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh and bright finish to the soup.
One reader, Gallagher Miranda says:
This ham bone soup recipe is fantastic! The flavors meld beautifully, and the hearty ingredients make it incredibly satisfying. Perfect comfort food for chilly days. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Delicious Ham Bone Soup
How to chop vegetables: Peel and chop the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. How to remove meat from a bone: After cooking, carefully remove the ham bone from the soup, let it cool slightly, then use a knife to cut the meat away from the bone. How to use a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and set to cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 9 to 10 hours.
How To Make Ham Bone Soup
Don’t let your leftover ham go to waste. Make this slow-cooked ham bone soup with mixed vegetables, and enjoy the perfect post-holiday comfort dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1meaty ham bone
- 1lbYukon gold potatoes,diced
- 3carrots,sliced
- 2stalkscelery,sliced
- 1cupcorn
- 1largeonion,diced
- 15ozcannellini beans ,(white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 7cupschicken broth,or water
- 2bay leaves
- 2sprigsthyme,or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- ¼cupfresh parsley
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Cover soup and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 9 to10 hours.
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Remove ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme stems (if using fresh thyme).
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Chop meat from the bone and add back into the soup. Stir and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 455.66kcal
- Fat: 9.47g
- Saturated Fat: 2.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.95g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.66g
- Carbohydrates: 61.86g
- Fiber: 13.25g
- Sugar: 8.57g
- Protein: 34.13g
- Cholesterol: 40.84mg
- Sodium: 835.42mg
- Calcium: 256.50mg
- Potassium: 2132.28mg
- Iron: 11.48mg
- Vitamin A: 458.27µg
- Vitamin C: 100.54mg
Expert Technique Tip for Enhancing Ham Bone Soup Flavor
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help to caramelize the vegetables and deepen the overall taste of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Ham Bone Soup
Prep ingredients the night before: Chop potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked beans: Opt for canned cannellini beans to save time on soaking and cooking.
Buy pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut vegetables from the store to skip chopping.
Utilize frozen corn: Use frozen corn instead of fresh to cut down on prep time.
Quick broth option: Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham Bone Soup Recipe
meaty ham bone - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg provides a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture.
yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar starchy texture and can hold up well in soups.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips offer a similar sweetness and texture when cooked.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a slightly different but complementary flavor.
corn - Substitute with peas: Peas add a similar sweetness and pop of color to the soup.
large onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder onion flavor and add a nice texture.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
bay leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note to the soup.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano provides a robust herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a similar green color to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Serving Ham Bone Soup
Use a deep, elegant bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the ham bone soup. The contrast will make the dish visually appealing.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing a few chunks of yukon gold potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the bowl. This creates a base and ensures each bite has a mix of textures.
Add the broth carefully: Gently ladle the chicken broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the cannellini beans and corn are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top of the soup. This adds a burst of color and a fresh aroma that complements the rich flavors.
Include a rustic bread side: Serve the soup with a slice of toasted artisan bread on the side. The bread should be lightly brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt.
Highlight the ham: Place a few pieces of the chopped meat from the bone prominently on top of the soup. This showcases the star ingredient and adds a meaty texture to the presentation.
Drizzle with a touch of olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds a glossy finish and a subtle richness to the dish.
Serve with a sprig of thyme: Place a small sprig of thyme on the side of the bowl as a final touch. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also hints at the herbaceous notes within the soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Ham Bone Soup
Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the soup slowly over several hours, allowing flavors to meld together perfectly.
Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and meat safely and efficiently.
Chef's knife: Ideal for slicing and dicing the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the chicken broth and corn.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of cannellini beans.
Ladle: Useful for serving the soup once it's ready.
Tongs: Handy for removing the ham bone from the soup.
Mixing spoon: Perfect for stirring the soup and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Herb stripper: Convenient for removing thyme leaves from the stems if using fresh thyme.
Meat fork: Useful for holding the ham bone steady while you chop the meat off.
Soup bowls: Essential for serving the finished soup.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Ham Bone Soup
Let the ham bone soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and help maintain the quality of the soup.
To store the soup in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to store the soup. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen soups.
- For best quality, consume the frozen ham bone soup within 4 to 6 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. Avoid reheating the soup multiple times, as this can affect its texture and flavor.
If you have a large quantity of soup, consider freezing it in smaller portions. This way, you can easily reheat just the amount you need without having to thaw the entire batch.
To add some variety to your leftover ham bone soup, try incorporating additional ingredients like spinach, kale, or pasta when reheating. This will give the soup a fresh twist and make it feel like a new meal.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham Bone Soup
Reheat the ham bone soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating.
If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating.
For a quick and easy option, reheat individual portions of the soup in the microwave. Place the desired amount of soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If you have stored the ham bone separately from the soup, consider reheating it in the oven wrapped in foil before adding it back to the reheated soup. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
To add extra depth of flavor to the reheated soup, consider garnishing with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
If you find that the soup has lost some of its original flavors after being stored, try adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices to taste while reheating.
For a creamy texture, consider blending a portion of the reheated soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before serving. This will create a thicker, more luxurious consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Ham Bone Soup
A fun fact about this ham bone soup recipe is that using a ham bone not only adds rich flavor but also provides a natural source of collagen, which can help to thicken the soup and give it a silky texture.
Budget-Friendly: Is Ham Bone Soup Cost-Effective?
This ham bone soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing a meaty ham bone ensures that no part of the meat goes to waste, while vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery are relatively inexpensive. The use of cannellini beans and chicken broth adds both nutrition and flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20 USD.
Is Ham Bone Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This ham bone soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The use of a meaty ham bone provides flavor and protein, while the vegetables and beans add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make this recipe healthier:
- Ham can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions
- The recipe lacks leafy greens, which are nutrient-dense and low in calories
- Depending on the type of chicken broth used, the soup may contain additional sodium
To enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth or replace some of the broth with water to reduce the overall sodium content
- Add leafy greens such as spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking to boost the vitamin and mineral content without overcooking them
- Include additional non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the soup
- Opt for a leaner cut of ham or remove excess fat from the ham bone to reduce the saturated fat content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt, such as garlic, rosemary, or smoked paprika
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Ham Bone Soup Recipe
This ham bone soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for utilizing leftover ham. The combination of Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, and cannellini beans provides a robust and nutritious base. The addition of corn adds a touch of sweetness, while the bay leaves and thyme infuse the broth with aromatic depth. Cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Removing the ham bone and adding the chopped meat back in ensures a rich, meaty texture. Overall, it's a well-balanced and flavorful soup that's easy to prepare.
Enhance Your Ham Bone Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Soup Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Ham Bone Soup
Why trust this Ham Bone Soup Recipe:
This ham bone soup recipe is a time-tested classic, perfect for cozy nights. The meaty ham bone infuses the chicken broth with rich, savory flavors, while Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and celery add hearty texture. Cannellini beans and corn provide a delightful contrast, making each bite satisfying. Slow-cooking ensures the ingredients meld perfectly, creating a comforting and nutritious meal.
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