Ham bone soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. Even if your appetite is low under such conditions, the full-flavored sensation this American soup carries will totally energize you.
Imagine how tender ham flakes off the bone and melts in your mouth or the incredible mouth feel that the rich and silky marrow in the broth provides. Moreover, this amazing American soup always includes wholesome vegetables and, as a result, is overflowing with nutrients.
This recipe is also quite easy. You need to throw everything together and let them simmer for some time. The outcome will be delicious enough to awaken all your senses. On a cold fall or winter’s day, this nutritious soup is a must!
Ham Bone Soup: A Classic Comfort Food
Ham bone soup is a great way to use leftover ham, especially after a big event where youโre left with a ham bone that still has plenty of meat. Following up your lavish Christmas or Thanksgiving party with a steaming hot pot of soup sounds like a good idea.
Of course, you can also go buy a ham on the bone from your local supermarket and get a really nourishing soup. Fresh ingredients will give your meal an even better taste.
But meat isnโt the only highlight. This recipe requires a vegetable stock base that is packed full of garden vegetables to create a really comforting and nutritious soup.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Ham Bone Soup
Soups are so fun and easy to make at home; this one is no exception! To make my ham bone soup, you will need:
The Components of Ham Bone Soup
To cook this warm and wholesome home bone soup, youโll need the following ingredients:
Step-by-Step Guide to Ham Bone Soup
Follow these four steps to cook a delicious pot of ham bone soup at home:
Step 1: Cook Ham And Prepare Vegetables
Place a large pot on the stove, and add in 7 cups of vegetable stock and 2 pounds of ham bone. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 hour.
While the ham is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop potatoes, carrots, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Remove Cooked Ham
Remove your cooked ham from the pot with a spoon or a fork when it is soft enough. If possible, you can use a wireless thermometer designed for meat to check if the internal temperature of the ham reaches the safe point of 145ยฐF or not.
Place the ham in a bowl to cool down for a couple of minutes before transferring it to a chopping board.
Step 3: Add Vegetables To The Soup
Carefully add your cut vegetables, onions, garlic, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to your soup. Stir your soup and bring it to a boil again.
Reduce to a simmer while you prepare the meat from your ham bone.
Step 4: Prepare Ham Meat And Cook Soup
Remove the meat from the bone using a sharp knife, then dice ham into bite-sized pieces.
Add the ham back to the soup and sprinkle the fresh parsley plus chives before stirring the soup. Continue cooking your soup until the vegetables are tender (approximately 20 minutes).
Step 5: Serve Your Soup
Check your vegetables are cooked through, then serve hot in individual bowls. Enjoy!
Tips to Cook the Best Ham Bone Soup
My recipe for ham bone soup is very simple to follow, but learning about the following tips will ensure you get a well-rounded soup that is packed full of flavor in every bite.
What Goes Well with Ham Bone Soup?
You can enjoy a warm and hearty ham bone soup as it is on a cold day. However, there is no harm in pairing it with other foods for a full meal. Here are a few possible side dishes to serve alongside this soup:
The Correct Way To Store Ham Bone Soup
Proper storage of ham bone soup ensures it remains safe and tasty for future meals. Here are the steps to store it correctly:
Ham Bone Soup For The Soul, Why Not?
Not many recipes are as forgiving as this one: you can throw it all in the pot and let it simmer. It is so simple to create that youโll find yourself making it on cold winter and fall days. Try it, and you will agree this recipe is ideal for taking care of your leftover Christmas ham.
Some of my best memories are coming home to a heart-warming bowl of ham bone soup on a cold day. They can be yours now! Have fun with my recipe, and let me know in the comment section. Donโt forget to share this post and spread its warmth to your friends.
Ham Bone Soup
Equipment
- Pot
- Knife
- Chopping Board
- Large spoon
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ham on the bone
- 2 medium white potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 7 cups vegetable stock, ideally low sodium
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ham bone in your stock in a large pot on a stovetop. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce it to allow the soup base to simmer for 1 hour.Dice carrots, potatoes, and zucchini into small bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl for later.
- Take the ham out of the soup and let it cool in a bowl for a couple of minutes.
- While the ham is cooling, add diced vegetables, apple cider vinegar, onions, garlic, plus salt and pepper to the soup pot.
- Stir, then increase the heat to boil soup before lowering it again to a simmer.
- Cut the ham meat off the bone on a chopping board using a sharp knife.
- Chop the ham into small pieces. Add them to the soup and the fresh herbs (parsley and chives).
- Cook for 15 – 20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Although Iโve included my favorite vegetables to accompany the ham bone and vegetable stock soup base, you can substitute them with anything you have in your fridge.
Nutrition
Paige Gilmore
Content Writer
Expertise
Home Cooking, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Food Styling, Food Photography, Cooking-video Maker, Data Analysis, Business Owner, Strategy & Marketing Director
Education
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
The Culinary Collective, New Zealand
Paige Gilmore is a versatile content creator from Auckland, with a focus on culinary arts and a distinctive foundation in science and analytics. Her varied skills enrich her cooking, enabling her to combine precise techniques with imaginative style in the kitchen.