Hearty Ham Soup Recipes for Every Season

[Ella River]

Leftover ham can be revived into a delicious, warm meal that will be soul-warming using ham soup ideas. You can find it difficult to resist the temptation to have a hearty nutritious meal any time of the year, be it a ham bone, diced ham or any small bits that you might have left over after the holiday dinner. Some of these variations to adapt to various tastes and occasions are discussed below and each has its own flavor on this traditional comfort food.

Classic Ham and Potato Soup

A very basic and enjoyable version is made of tender potato, diced ham and savory broth. One can start with potatoes boiled until tender and then add ham in chunks to make it savory. In another pan, a creamy base is prepared in the form of a roux using butter and flour and milk is whisked in until smooth. Blend the potatoes and ham with the creamy mixture, add salt and pepper, and simmer until it has all been heated. To add more flavor, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions may be sprinkled on top and served. It is a creamy, full, and ideal one, ideal on chilly evenings.

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Beans add the texture to your soup which is not the only benefit but also provides the nutritional value. You can begin with diced ham combined with any type of canned or cooked beans, and vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions. Add chicken or vegetable broth and add garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are combined. This is a hearty soup made of beans and it is very thick and can be cooked in huge quantities. It also freezes well hence makes a good choice during busy weeks.

Smoky Ham Bone Soup

To give the dish a dense, juicy taste, it is best to use a ham bone. Boil the bone in water, carrots, onions, and celery a few hours to get all the savor out of it. Take out the bone, cut up the rest of the meat and place it back into the pot. Add potatoes or other vegetables cut in pieces to make a complete meal. The approach provides a hearty, fragrant soup that can be used as a basis of various forms of soup providing a warm, home-cooked flavor.

Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split peas are good especially when they are served with ham forming a dense satiating meal. Add split peas, ham, onions, carrots, and celery in a big pot. enough broth to cover the ingredients add and boil till the peas become soft and the soup thickens. Season with salt, pepper and add a pinch of smoked paprika to add flavor. It is a nutritious and yet a substantial soup that would work well on a lunch or a warming dish.

Creamy Ham and Corn Chowder

On the sweeter side, a corn chowder with ham should be tried. Saute onions, celery and garlic and add the ham which is diced and the kernels of the corn. Add milk and broth and simmer till the vegetables are soft. Roux or cornstarch slurry can be used to thicken the mixture and salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika should be added to give it flavor. Serve with fresh parsley or chives to make it colorful. This chowder is tasty and creamy and ideal during the family meals.

Soup tips on how to make a perfect soup.

Make use of the Bone: Have one, by chance, of a ham bone left over: it will give richness and fullness to your broth.

Add Salt sparingly: Ham is already salty and one needs not add more salt to it.

Add Variety: Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, peas or corn to this as a source of nutrients and flavor addition.

Simmers Slack: Slow simmers are a bit of advice as the flavors are fully developed when the soup is simmered.

Freeze Leftovers: Majority of ham soups are freezable and are therefore convenient in case of future meals.

These hearty Ham Soup recipes prove the versatility of ham in soups as simple ingredients are used to make good meals. Whether it is creamy chowders or smoky, beans-filled broths, everyone will find one that fits their taste. These soups provide comfort and nutritional values by the use of fresh vegetables, spicy seasoning, and the use of the ham bone here and there. They can be used throughout the year, and they are a simple solution to using up the remaining ham and preparing delicious meal that is family friendly and all children will love.