Hot Ham Vegetable Soup

There are few things cozier than a steaming bowl of hot ham soup on a chilly night. This recipe transforms leftover ham and a handful of vegetables into a hearty meal that is both comforting and satisfying. If you are looking to warm up the whole family with minimal fuss, this soup comes together quickly and fills your home with savory aromas.

The very first time I made this soup it was after a busy week and we had a fridge full of odds and ends. It felt like magic when everyone asked for seconds and the pot was scraped clean.

Ingredients

• Cooked ham diced: adds salty savory depth One of the best ways to use up leftovers is from a ham roast Opt for thick cut or smoked for maximum flavor
• Carrots sliced: bring gentle sweetness Choose firm brightly colored carrots for best taste
• Celery diced: provides earthiness and fresh flavor Go for crisp stalks without any limpness or yellowing
• Medium onion chopped: is the classic base for all good soups Look for onions with papery skins and no soft spots
• Potatoes diced: deliver creamy texture Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold shape best during cooking Choose potatoes that feel dense
• Chicken or vegetable broth: a rich flavorful liquid Make homemade if you can otherwise choose low sodium boxed broth for control over seasoning
• Bay leaf: infuses an herbal undertone Pick whole dry leaves without cracks for maximum aroma
• Salt and pepper to taste: let you tailor the seasoning Add at the end as ham and broth already have salt
• Olive oil or butter: helps soften veggies and carries flavor Use good quality oil or real butter for richer taste
• Garlic cloves: pungent and aromatic Fresh cloves that feel firm and plump will add complexity
• Dried thyme: delivers herby notes Try to use a fresh dried spice for best results
• Optional add ins: a splash of cream corn peas spinach parsley for garnish These extras add sweetness richness and color Use what you love or need to use up from the fridge

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables and Ham:

Dice the ham into evenly sized bite pieces Slice carrots and celery to similar thicknesses Peel and chop potatoes into half inch cubes and roughly chop onion Uniform cuts make for even cooking and a perfect bite every time

Sauté the Base:

Pour olive oil or butter into a large pot over medium heat Let it warm until just starting to shimmer Add onions carrots and celery Stir slowly and cook for five to seven minutes until the mix softens and smells sweet This is your flavor foundation so do not rush

Build the Flavor:

Stir in chopped garlic and add all of the diced ham Let the whole mixture cook together for a minute so the ham’s flavor releases and mingles with the vegetables

Add Potatoes and Broth:

Pour in all the broth then stir in potatoes bay leaf and dried thyme Give everything a good mix to distribute the seasonings evenly

Simmer Gently:

Raise the heat and bring the pot just to a boil then immediately drop to a gentle simmer Let cook uncovered for about twenty to twenty five minutes until potatoes are fork tender Stir occasionally and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom

Taste and Adjust:

Scoop up a spoonful and taste for seasoning Add salt or pepper if needed For extra richness pour in a splash of cream at this point if desired

Finish and Rest:

Remove the bay leaf carefully and let the soup rest for a minute or two before serving This settles the flavors and gives a velvety texture

Serve with Garnishes:

Ladle soup into warm bowls and top with chopped parsley Serve with crusty bread or soft biscuits on the side for dunking

My favorite ingredient here has to be the diced ham A smoked ham gives such a deep flavor that makes the kitchen smell incredible every time This recipe reminds me of kitchen chats with my husband as we used up every bit of a holiday ham and made something even better the second time around

Storage Tips

Leftover soup will last for four days in a sealed container in the fridge Let the soup cool before refrigerating Reheat gently on the stove or use a microwave If you want to freeze it let it cool completely first and store in zip top bags or containers The soup is perfect for make ahead meal prep

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ham any smoked sausage or even leftover roast pork can step in Just chop finely and add as directed For broth you can use homemade stock if you have it or try a mix of chicken and vegetable broth for extra depth Swap in any root vegetables you have on hand such as parsnips or sweet potatoes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot ham soup with crusty bread garlic bread or cheddar biscuits on the side A fresh green salad makes a great counterpoint If you like extra crunch add a sprinkle of roasted corn or green beans on top When you want to make it a little fancy finish each bowl with a swirl of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese

Cultural and Historical Context

Ham soups are a classic way to make use of every bit of a ham bone or roast They have roots in thrifty home kitchens across the world especially after holidays when leftovers are abundant Variations can be found everywhere from classic split pea with ham to ham and bean traditions across many regions

Seasonal Adaptations

Add corn and peas in summer for lightness Swap sweet potatoes or squash for classic white potatoes in autumn Stir in chopped spinach or kale just before serving for a winter green boost

Success Stories

A friend told me this soup was the best reason yet to look forward to ham leftovers Another neighbor made a double batch to freeze and keep her freezer stocked for busy winter nights We all agree the homemade touch makes every bowl warming and nostalgic

Freezer Meal Conversion

Make a large batch and cool it quickly before freezing in individual servings Be sure to leave extra room in your containers as the soup will expand slightly when frozen Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently on the stove for best texture

This soup brings back wonderful memories and warms us from the inside out. Enjoy a cozy bowl whenever you need a taste of comfort.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ham hock instead of diced ham?

Yes, ham hock adds a smoky flavor and creates a richer broth. Remove bones before serving.

→ What vegetables pair well with ham soup?

Carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, corn, spinach, and green beans all complement the savory ham base.

→ Is it possible to make this soup creamy?

Absolutely. Stirring in a splash of cream at the end gives the soup a rich, velvety texture.

→ How do you store leftovers?

Let the soup cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the broth?

Chicken broth gives a savory taste, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly. Both options work well.