Ham bone soup is one of those classic, heartwarming dishes that evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction. It’s a meal that’s both simple and nourishing, making it the perfect option for chilly evenings or when you’ve got leftover ham that needs to be used. Not only does it transform leftover ham into something rich and delicious, but it also allows you to craft a flavorful and wholesome meal that’ll feed a crowd. The beauty of ham bone soup is that it combines the smokiness of the ham with the depth of vegetables and seasonings, creating a soup that’s both hearty and satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen, or tailor it to your specific taste preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent way to stretch your food budget while creating a meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how you can make a delightful pot of ham bone soup that’ll have your family and friends coming back for more.
Old Fashioned Ham Bone Soup Recipe
This recipe harkens back to the way many grandmothers used to make ham bone soup-nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The flavors are rich, the texture is hearty, and the soup is just begging to be served with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
Ingredients Needed
- Ham Bone: The star of the dish! A leftover ham bone from a holiday ham or any kind of cooked ham with some meat left on it.
- Ham: If you don’t have a lot of leftover ham, you can add some extra diced ham to the soup for additional flavor.
- Carrots: A few peeled and chopped carrots bring sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery: A couple of stalks of celery, chopped, provide a nice crunch and earthiness.
- Onions: One medium-sized onion, chopped, for savory depth.
- Garlic: A few garlic cloves, minced, to bring a layer of aromatic warmth.
- Potatoes: A couple of medium potatoes, peeled and diced, adding heartiness to the soup.
- Dried Beans: Typically, white beans or navy beans work best. Soak them ahead of time or use canned beans if you’re short on time.
- Broth or Stock: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the base, but you can also use water if you don’t have broth on hand.
- Bay Leaves: For a fragrant, slightly herbal undertone.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds that lovely savory note.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, adjust to taste.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If you’re using dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight or follow the quick-soak method (boil them for 2 minutes, then let them sit, covered, for an hour). Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. If you’re using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Ham: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute. Stir in the diced ham, letting it brown a little for extra flavor.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in your broth or stock, and then add the ham bone. You want enough liquid to cover the bone and vegetables. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and some salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the ham bone to release its rich, smoky flavor into the broth.
- Add the Beans and Potatoes: After the initial simmer, add in your soaked beans (or canned beans) and diced potatoes. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30-40 minutes, until the beans are tender and the potatoes have cooked through.
- Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining ham off the bone, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good amount of ham, beans, and vegetables. Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful broth.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients in this soup and why they work so well together:
- Ham Bone: The ham bone is the backbone of this soup. It imparts a smoky, meaty flavor to the broth, enriching the entire dish. The bone itself also has some residual meat, which you can shred and add back to the soup for texture.
- Beans: Beans are not just a filler in this recipe. They absorb the flavors from the ham and herbs, becoming creamy and tender as they cook. They add body to the soup, making it feel more like a stew than a soup.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are the perfect thickening agent for this soup. They break down slightly as they cook, giving the broth a rich, creamy texture. Plus, they soak up the flavor of the ham and seasonings, making every bite a little burst of savory goodness.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Bay leaves and thyme are classic choices for ham bone soup. Bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic layer to the broth, while thyme brings a deep, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the ham. Together, they create a balanced, savory backdrop for the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let the soup simmer slowly. The longer you let the ham bone release its flavor into the broth, the richer and more complex the soup will become.
- Use Leftover Ham Wisely: If you’ve got leftover ham, use both the bone and the diced ham for maximum flavor. Even a small amount of ham can go a long way in flavoring the soup.
- Add a Touch of Vinegar: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten up the soup and balance the richness of the ham.
- Make it Ahead of Time: This soup actually tastes better the next day. The flavors continue to meld as it sits in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead for even more delicious results.
Recipe Variations
- Smoky Ham Bone Soup: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a few slices of smoked sausage to ramp up the smokiness.
- Vegetarian Version: For a lighter, vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth and skip the ham bone altogether. Add mushrooms or tempeh for that meaty texture.
- Spicy Ham Soup: If you like a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give your soup a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the smoky ham.
- Southern Style: Add some collard greens or spinach towards the end of cooking for a Southern twist on the traditional ham bone soup.
Final Words
Ham bone soup is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. With its smoky, savory broth, tender vegetables, and hearty beans, it’s a satisfying meal that can stretch a little leftover ham into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using leftover ham from a holiday feast, this soup is a go-to comfort food for any occasion.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For An Old Fashioned Ham Bone Soup?
The basic ingredients for old fashioned ham bone soup include a ham bone with some meat still on it, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, garlic, dried beans (such as navy or great northern beans), chicken broth or water, herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and pepper. Optional ingredients include potatoes, ham stock, or any leftover ham pieces.
How Long Should I Cook An Old Fashioned Ham Bone Soup?
Cooking time varies based on the method used. If cooking on the stove, it typically takes around 2-3 hours for the flavors to meld and the beans to soften. In a slow cooker, the soup should be cooked on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using a pressure cooker, it usually takes around 45 minutes.
Can I Use A Ham Steak Instead Of A Ham Bone For The Soup?
Yes, you can use a ham steak or leftover ham pieces instead of a ham bone. The bone adds additional flavor and richness to the broth, but using ham steak will still result in a flavorful soup. Make sure to cut the ham into small pieces to ensure it infuses the soup well.
How Do I Store Leftover Ham Bone Soup?
Store leftover ham bone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To My Ham Bone Soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, parsnips, or even greens like spinach or kale. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add, as some may require more time to cook than others.
How Do I Make The Soup Thicker?
To thicken your ham bone soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher, or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Another method is to add a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, but this may alter the texture slightly.
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead Of Dried Beans In This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried beans to shorten the cooking time. If you do this, add the canned beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking, just enough time to heat them through and absorb the flavors of the soup.
What Type Of Broth Should I Use For Ham Bone Soup?
Ham bone soup is typically made with either chicken or vegetable broth. You can also use water and then add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor. If you want a richer taste, consider using ham stock or even making your own broth using the ham bone itself.
Can I Make Old Fashioned Ham Bone Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker is a great method for making ham bone soup. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans and vegetables are tender. For a quicker version, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.
What Can I Serve With Old Fashioned Ham Bone Soup?
Old fashioned ham bone soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or some pickles for contrast. The rich, hearty flavors of the soup complement these lighter sides.