Leftover ham soup is the kind of dish that whispers comfort. It’s a meal that not only helps you use up leftovers, but it also brings people together, filling the house with warm, hearty aromas. If you’ve ever found yourself with extra ham after a holiday feast or Sunday dinner, this soup is the perfect solution. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste, and every bite feels like a cozy hug. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to make a rich, flavorful leftover ham soup that will turn those leftovers into a meal everyone will look forward to.
Let’s talk about the recipe, ingredients, tips, and variations-everything you need to master the art of ham soup.
Leftover Ham Soup Recipe
This soup is perfect for anyone who’s looking to turn leftover ham into a creamy, savory dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. It combines tender ham, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful soup:
- Leftover Ham: This is the star of the show. You’ll want about 2-3 cups of diced ham. The more flavorful, the better!
-
Vegetables: A mix of hearty vegetables makes this soup extra filling and comforting. You’ll need:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to bring some depth of flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 6 cups of a rich, flavorful broth (you can also use ham stock if you have it).
- Milk or Heavy Cream: About 1 cup to give the soup a creamy, luscious texture.
-
Herbs & Spices: For a classic soup flavor, you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the soup.
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a bowl of ham soup that will knock your socks off:
-
Prepare The Vegetables
- Start by peeling and chopping your vegetables-onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. The size of your vegetable pieces matters; smaller chunks cook faster and integrate better into the soup.
-
Sauté The Base
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and the onions are translucent.
-
Add Garlic And Ham
- Add the minced garlic and diced leftover ham to the pot. Stir well, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance (around 1 minute). The ham should start to brown slightly, adding even more depth to the flavor.
-
Create The Soup Base
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for about a minute to make a roux (this will thicken the soup). Then, slowly pour in the broth, whisking to break up any flour lumps. Add the thyme, paprika, bay leaf, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
-
Finish With Cream
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the bay leaf and pour in the milk or cream. Stir well, letting the cream combine with the broth. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, pepper, or herbs can be added at this point).
-
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley or croutons. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
Now that we know how to make this delicious soup, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and why they work so well together:
- Ham: Leftover ham is a fantastic choice for this soup. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor, so it infuses the broth with a smoky, savory richness. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can use ham steaks or even deli ham slices.
- Potatoes: Potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth while also adding heartiness to the soup. Their texture becomes creamy once cooked, which thickens the soup naturally.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add both flavor and texture. Carrots give a touch of sweetness, while celery brings an earthy crunch.
- Garlic: Garlic is a must for any savory dish. It adds a subtle depth to the flavor profile, complementing the saltiness of the ham.
- Broth: The type of broth you use is critical to the flavor of the soup. Homemade stock is ideal if you have it, but store-bought chicken or vegetable broth works just fine, too. The broth forms the base for all the flavors to come together.
Expert Tips
Making ham soup may sound simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Ham: Since ham is already cooked, you don’t want to simmer it for too long. Just enough to warm it through and let the flavors meld.
- Use Leftover Ham Bone: If you have a ham bone leftover, throw it into the pot while simmering. It’ll add an even deeper, richer flavor to the broth.
- Adjust the Thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more broth or water to loosen it up. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken naturally.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: To ensure your potatoes and vegetables cook gently without falling apart, avoid boiling the soup vigorously. A gentle simmer is best for a perfect texture.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, and the soup thickens up. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal!
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to tweak this recipe, here are some variations to consider:
- Add Beans: White beans (like cannellini or navy beans) add extra protein and heartiness. They pair perfectly with the savory ham and give the soup a comforting, rustic feel.
- Swap the Cream: For a lighter option, you can skip the cream and use evaporated milk or half-and-half. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut milk for a subtle sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mix. It will balance out the richness of the soup.
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or bay leaves for a more aromatic soup. Fresh thyme works great as well.
- Add Greens: Toss in some spinach, kale, or swiss chard near the end of cooking. It’s an easy way to get some greens into the dish without changing the flavor too much.
Final Words
There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of leftover ham soup. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to feed a crowd. The best part? You can easily tweak it based on what you have in your kitchen. You’re not limited to a set list of ingredients-this soup is flexible and forgiving, which makes it an absolute winner in any home cook’s recipe box.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Leftover Ham Soup Recipe?
Common ingredients for leftover ham soup include diced ham, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, celery, chicken broth, and seasonings like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Some recipes also call for cream, milk, or beans to enhance the soup’s richness.
Can I Use A Ham Bone In Leftover Ham Soup?
Yes, using a ham bone adds extra flavor to the broth. Simply simmer the ham bone with the other ingredients, and remove it once the soup is cooked. You can scrape off any remaining meat and add it back to the soup.
How Long Should I Simmer The Leftover Ham Soup?
You should simmer the soup for about 30 to 45 minutes after all the ingredients are combined. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften. If you’re using a ham bone, you can simmer it for up to 2 hours for a richer broth.
Can I Freeze Leftover Ham Soup?
Yes, leftover ham soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove.
What Vegetables Work Best In Leftover Ham Soup?
Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and peas are commonly used in ham soup. You can also add corn or green beans for extra flavor and texture, depending on your preference.
Can I Use Leftover Ham From A Spiral Ham For Soup?
Yes, spiral ham is an excellent choice for leftover ham soup. Its sweet, smoky flavor adds a lot of depth to the broth. Just be sure to remove any glazes or sticky coatings before using the ham in the soup.
What Can I Use To Thicken Leftover Ham Soup?
To thicken ham soup, you can use several methods. Adding mashed potatoes, a cornstarch slurry, or even blending some of the soup ingredients will help achieve a thicker texture. Alternatively, you can stir in cream or milk for a richer, velvety soup.
How Can I Add More Flavor To Leftover Ham Soup?
To enhance the flavor of your ham soup, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. A splash of vinegar or a bit of hot sauce can also brighten the flavor. If you want a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Can I Make Leftover Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, leftover ham soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a rich, hearty soup.
What Should I Serve With Leftover Ham Soup?
Leftover ham soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.