Ham Bone Soup

There’s something special about transforming leftovers into a brand-new dish, and this Ham Bone Soup is a perfect example! Rich, savory, and loaded with hearty ingredients like tender ham, beans, and root vegetables, this soup brings comfort and nourishment to every spoonful. Simmering the ham bone extracts deep flavors, creating a delicious broth that elevates the entire dish. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe is easy to make with a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop. Whether you’re using up holiday ham or just craving a warm and wholesome meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat attached)
• 3 cups diced leftover ham
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 small potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 (15oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
• 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ -1 tsp red chili flakes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients except diced ham into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 hours until veggies are tender. Stir in diced ham 2 hours before cooking is complete. Remove the ham bone, scrape off any remaining meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and serve hot.

2. Instant Pot Method: Place ham bone, chicken broth, and bay leaves in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on High for 30 minutes, then quick-release pressure. Remove the bone, scrape off meat, and return it to the soup. Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and pressure cook on High for 7-8 minutes. Quick release and serve hot.

3. Stovetop Method: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot with a little oil over medium heat. Add all remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the ham bone, scrape off meat, and return it to the soup. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 90 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 373 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The History and Tradition of Ham Bone Soup

Ham Bone Soup has long been a staple in kitchens across the world. This dish is rooted in the practice of using every part of an ingredient to create something delicious and waste-free. Traditionally, soups like this were made after large gatherings, where a ham was often served as the centerpiece of the meal. Rather than discarding the ham bone, resourceful cooks would simmer it for hours, extracting its deep flavors and infusing the broth with a savory richness.

Many cultures have their own version of this soup. In Southern cuisine, ham bone is often used in bean-based soups, such as Senate Bean Soup, a famous dish served in the U.S. Senate dining room for over a century. In European kitchens, variations of ham bone soup include French Garbure (a thick ham and vegetable stew) and Italian Minestrone, which sometimes incorporates ham for extra depth of flavor.

Why You Should Make Ham Bone Soup

Aside from its incredible taste, this soup has several benefits that make it a must-try:

• Budget-Friendly: If you’ve already purchased a ham for a holiday or special occasion, this soup allows you to maximize every last bit of it. The bone itself is packed with flavor and, when simmered, creates a rich and delicious broth.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: This soup is filled with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the combination of ham, beans, and vegetables. It’s a well-balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. Whether you add more vegetables, different types of beans, or even a grain like barley, this soup is highly adaptable.
• Easy to Make: Whether you prefer using a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, this soup is simple to prepare. Just let it simmer, and the flavors will come together beautifully.

The Magic of a Slow-Simmered Broth

The real secret to Ham Bone Soup’s deep flavor lies in the slow cooking process. The ham bone itself contains marrow, collagen, and remnants of smoked meat that, when simmered, release a rich umami taste into the broth. This process enhances the soup with a naturally savory and slightly smoky essence that can’t be replicated with store-bought stock alone.

For the best results, the ham bone should be simmered for at least 90 minutes on the stovetop, or even longer in a slow cooker. This slow extraction process ensures that all the nutrients and flavors from the bone are infused into the broth, creating a full-bodied base that makes the soup incredibly satisfying.

Customization Ideas – Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this soup is that it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetable Variations: While the classic recipe includes onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, kale, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Bean Choices: Cannellini beans work wonderfully in this soup, but you can also use kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, or a 15-bean mix for more variety.
• Grain Additions: If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding barley, quinoa, or rice to create a heartier meal.
• Spice it Up: Red chili flakes give this soup a mild heat, but if you love bolder flavors, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Adjustments: This soup is naturally gluten-free if made with beans and vegetables alone. To make it dairy-free, simply avoid adding cheese or creamy toppings when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ham Bone Soup is a standalone meal, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with some simple sides:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, buttered bread or a garlic baguette makes for a perfect companion to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Cornbread: If you want a Southern touch, cornbread complements the smoky, savory notes of the soup beautifully.
• Green Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for an extra-filling meal.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the biggest advantages of Ham Bone Soup is how well it stores. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping and freezing:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 4-5 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
• Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Conclusion:

Ham Bone Soup is more than just a delicious dish it’s a way to celebrate traditional cooking, minimize food waste, and create something incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it after a holiday meal or just craving a warm, hearty bowl of comfort, this soup is always a winner. Its deep, smoky broth, tender ham pieces, and nourishing vegetables make it a timeless favorite that the whole family can enjoy.

By following this recipe, you’ll not only savor the incredible flavors but also appreciate the art of turning simple ingredients into a masterpiece. So, the next time you find yourself with a leftover ham bone, don’t toss it turn it into this comforting Ham Bone Soup and enjoy every spoonful!