Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a homemade ham bone soup! It’s such a wonderful way to use up those leftover ham bones—trust me, it’s like a big warm hug in a bowl. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a hearty soup that’s not just filling but also packed with nutrients. I love how the simple ingredients work together to create something truly comforting. You just toss everything into a pot and let it simmer away, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. This ham bone soup recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up even on busy days!
Ingredients List
For this delicious ham bone soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re all simple and easy to find!
- 1 ham bone
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative! You can always add in other veggies you have lying around. This soup is all about using what you’ve got and making it your own!
How to Prepare Ham Bone Soup
Making ham bone soup is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through it step-by-step! Just follow along, and you’ll have a steaming pot of deliciousness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab that ham bone and place it in a large pot. It’s the star of the show!
- Next, pour in 6 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins!
- Once boiling, it’s time to add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion. The colors are going to brighten up your kitchen!
- Don’t forget to toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. These ingredients will take your soup to the next level with their wonderful aromas!
- Now, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it bubble away for about 1.5 hours. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully. I suggest giving it a stir occasionally to keep everything happy!
- After an hour and a half, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool for a bit. You’ll want to shred any meat from the bone, so be careful not to burn your fingers!
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Give everything a good stir.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. I always say, taste as you go! Serve the soup hot, and get ready for a comforting bowl of goodness.
And there you have it! Your ham bone soup is ready to warm you up and fill your belly. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Ham Bone Soup Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of the ham bone, fresh veggies, and herbs creates a rich, hearty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious soup simmering away. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham bones, making it both economical and sustainable.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from the veggies, this soup is not only comforting but also nutritious, keeping you satisfied for hours.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in any extra veggies or spices you have on hand—this soup is all about making it your own!
- Great for Meal Prep: It makes a big batch, so you can enjoy it for several days or freeze it for later—perfect for those chilly days ahead!
Tips for Success
Ready to make the best ham bone soup ever? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your soup turns out just right!
- Choose a Flavorful Ham Bone: The better the ham bone, the better the soup! Look for a bone with a good amount of meat on it for extra flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for the full 1.5 hours is crucial. This is when all those delicious flavors meld together. If you rush it, you might miss out on that rich taste!
- Mix Up the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have. Green beans, peas, or corn can add a nice twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times for firmer veggies.
- Season Gradually: It’s best to taste and season as you go. Start with a little salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking at the end. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Add Herbs for Extra Depth: If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill right at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which I bet you will!), let the soup cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for a cozy meal down the road!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a hearty, delicious ham bone soup that everyone will love. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for one serving of this delicious ham bone soup:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
This soup is not only hearty but also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness while knowing you’re fueling your body!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made a big pot of delicious ham bone soup, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers. Don’t worry—it’s super simple!
First, let the soup cool completely before storing it. This is important because placing hot soup directly into the refrigerator can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other food. Once it’s cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers. I like to use smaller containers for easy portioning. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just make sure to leave a little space in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy another bowl, just take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
When it’s time to reheat, you can warm it up either on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine—just make sure to heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth. Wow, the aroma will bring back all those cozy feelings!
And there you have it! Enjoy your ham bone soup whenever you like, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about ham bone soup recipes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I use a different type of meat bone?
Absolutely! While this recipe is all about that flavorful ham bone, you can use other meat bones like chicken or beef for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when the soup is ready?
The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. A good simmer for about 1.5 hours does the trick! You can also taste it to check if it needs any extra seasoning.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes, please do! This soup is very forgiving. Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, like peas, corn, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for firmer veggies.
Is this ham bone soup recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check any packaged ingredients to be sure!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can definitely make ham bone soup in a slow cooker! Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. It’s a great way to let those flavors develop while you go about your day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your hearty ham bone soup, there are so many delicious options to complement it! Here are a few ideas that’ll take your meal to the next level:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of homemade sourdough is perfect for dipping into the soup. The combination of flavors is just divine!
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: You can never go wrong with a classic grilled cheese! The gooey, melty cheese pairs wonderfully with the savory soup, making it a comforting combo.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and brightness to your meal. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor!
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want to load up on more veggies, try serving roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes on the side. They’ll enhance the cozy vibe of your meal.
- Cornbread: This sweet, fluffy bread is a classic pairing with soups. It’s like a little bite of sunshine to balance out the hearty flavors of your soup!
Mix and match any of these sides to suit your taste! Whatever you choose, I promise it’ll make your ham bone soup experience even more delicious and satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
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ham bone soup recipes that warm your soul effortlessly
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty ham bone soup packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ham bone
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the ham bone in a large pot.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the ham bone and let it cool.
- Shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham bone soup recipes
