Ham Bone Soup in the kitchen, the smell of ham bone broth filled the air. It took me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. The scent reminded me of the comfort and nourishment homemade soups offer. This recipe is more than a recipe. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, showing us the simple joys in life are the most meaningful.
Growing up, I looked forward to Grandma’s leftover ham bone soup. It was a masterpiece, filled with tender vegetables, savory beans, and a broth that warmed the soul. It was a dish that brought comfort, taking me back to a simpler time when family and tradition were everything.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe is a family favorite, using up leftover ham bones for a rich and robust broth.
- The soup is hearty and healthy, packed with vegetables, beans, and a slow-cooked ham bone broth.
- It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
- This traditional recipe is a comforting and nourishing meal, perfect for chilly days or as a way to use up leftover holiday ham.
- The key to the dish is the homemade recipe, which provides the soup with its rich and robust flavor.
The Ultimate Leftover Ham Bone Soup Recipe
Enjoy the rich taste of a soup full of flavor. It turns leftover ham bones into a warm, nourishing broth. Perfect for a chilly day, it’s made by simmering the ham bone for hours. This creates a flavorful pork stock that’s the heart of this comforting bean soup or lentil soup.
Loaded with Vegetables and Beans in a Flavorful Broth
This ham bone soup is a true treat, packed with fresh veggies and tender beans. Carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes add texture and nutrients. The great northern beans or navy beans make it creamy and protein-rich. It’s a hearty soup that warms your soul and feeds your body.
Whether you make this ham bone soup on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, it’s a hearty stew that’s sure to please. Enjoy the comforting, slow-simmered broth. Let the ham bone and vegetable flavors take you to a cozy, Southern-style kitchen.
Preparing the Ham Bone Broth
Making a delicious ham bone soup starts with the homemade ham bone broth. This broth is the base, filled with the ham’s rich, savory taste. To make it, you simmer the bone, water, peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic for 4-6 hours. This can be done in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
This long cooking time lets the bone give up all its flavors. The result is a slow-cooked broth that’s both savory and sweet. Adding a smoked ham hock makes the broth even better, adding a smoky taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leftover ham bone | 1 (9-pound) |
| Water | 10 cups |
| Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Garlic cloves | 4, peeled |
The slow-simmered broth can be made ahead of time. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. This way, you always have a flavorful base for your ham bone soup.
“The rich, savory essence of the ham bone broth is the key to unlocking the true depths of flavor in this comforting soup.”
Ham Bone Soup: A Versatile and Nourishing Dish
The humble ham bone is the base for a delightful and nutritious ham bone soup. It’s customizable, making it a favorite for comfort food. It’s both hearty and satisfying.
This recipe combines vegetables and beans. But you can add split peas, lentils, or other legumes to suit your taste. The slow-cooked broth and tender ham make it a flavorful and nutritious hearty soup or stew.
Ham bone soup is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for any time of year, but especially in the cold months. The rich broth and mix of vegetables and beans make it a filling and hearty meal that warms you up.
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ham Bone | Adds deep, savory flavor and protein to the soup |
| Beans | Provide fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy |
| Vegetables | Contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall nourishment |
If you have a leftover ham bone or just want a tasty hearty comfort food, ham bone soup is a great choice. It’s both versatile and nourishing, sure to please.
Customizing Your Ham Bone Soup
Ham bone soup is incredibly versatile. It comes with a mix of veggies like onions, celery, zucchini, carrots, and potatoes. But you can add or swap veggies to make it your own. Try peas, green beans, corn, or kale or spinach. You can also use kidney beans or chickpeas for a special twist.
Vegetable Variations and Additions
Ham bone soup lets you add your favorite ingredients. Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:
- Add split pea soup or lentil soup for extra protein
- Include diced bell peppers for color and taste
- Toss in green beans or corn kernels for sweetness
- Elevate the southern cuisine with collard greens or cabbage
- Try bean soup like kidney or garbanzo beans
Customizing your ham bone soup is endless. It’s a great way to meet your taste and comfort food needs.
“The great thing about ham bone soup is that it’s a blank canvas waiting for your culinary creativity.”
So, feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetable variations. Make a hearty soup that your family will adore.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Enjoy your homemade ham bone soup hot and steaming. It pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad. These add a nice contrast to the rich broth.
Ham bone soup is great for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors mix well. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or broth.
To freeze ham bone soup for 4-5 months, cool it first. Then, put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ham bone soup is perfect for any meal. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy it on busy nights or cozy weekends for a comforting meal.
Southern Comfort in a Bowl
When it gets cold, nothing beats a warm bowl of this recipe. This Southern comfort food is a true taste of the South’s rich, homemade dishes. The slow-cooked broth, tender ham, and flavorful veggies make a nourishing and satisfying dish that warms the heart.
The secret to this comforting soup is the slow-cooked ham bone broth. It’s simmered for hours, giving it a rich flavor. The tender ham and veggies add heartiness. A bit of cream or garam masala spice blend can make it even richer.
If you love the South or just want a taste of it, this delicious recipe will be a hit. Enjoy it on a cold day and let the warmth of the South wrap you in comfort.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Potassium | 1200mg |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Vitamin A | 200IU |
| Vitamin C | 80mg |
| Calcium | 15mg |
| Iron | 25mg |
“The slow-simmered broth, tender chunks of ham, and hearty vegetables create a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.”
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Plan Ahead for Convenience
Ham bone soup is great because you can make it ahead and freeze it. The ham bone broth can be made early and kept in the fridge for days or frozen for 3 months. You can also prep the veggies early and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the soup.
The leftover ham bone and meat can be frozen for months. This makes it easy to enjoy a ham bone soup whenever you want. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the slow cooker.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, leftover ham stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. A ham bone can be frozen for months. It’s best to use it within three months for the best flavor.
The ham stock from the ham bone can be kept in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for three to four months. For freezing, use a vacuum bag to remove air for freshness.
“The ham bone should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before use to prevent interference with the cooking process.”
By planning ahead and using these make-ahead and freezing tips, you can enjoy ham bone soup whenever you want. It’s a convenient and nourishing meal option.
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Conclusion
The ham bone soup is a true Southern delicacy. It offers a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy it on a cold winter day or savor the leftovers. This comfort food is a must-try for any soup enthusiast.
With its slow-cooked broth and tender, flavorful ingredients, this soup is a testament to the art of homemade cooking. It showcases the versatility of leftover ham bones. This highlights the importance of minimizing food waste.
The flexibility in ingredient choices allows you to personalize the dish. This makes it a truly customizable and adaptable addition to your culinary repertoire.
As you savor each spoonful of this ham bone soup, you’ll feel the comfort and warmth of a cozy, Southern kitchen. This nourishing, hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite. It provides a delightful taste of tradition and a sense of community in every bite.
FAQ
What is the key ingredient in this Ham Bone Soup recipe?
The homemade ham bone broth is the key. It adds rich, robust flavors to the soup.
Can I make the ham bone broth in advance?
Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What types of beans or legumes can I use in this soup?
You can use great northern beans or other beans like split peas, lentils, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can add or swap vegetables. Try peas, green beans, corn, or leafy greens like kale or spinach.
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator or freezer?
Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for months. When reheating, add water or broth to thin it out.
Where can I find a leftover ham bone to make this soup?
Use a leftover ham bone from Easter or Christmas. Or buy one from stores like Honey-Baked Ham.
Is this soup considered a traditional Southern dish?
Yes, ham bone soup is a classic Southern comfort food. It’s known for its warm, cozy flavors.