After the holidays ham bone soup –After the festivities, there is often leftover ham, which can be repurposed into a delightful meal. The following recipe for After-the-Holidays Ham Bone Soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also easy to prepare. This soup makes excellent use of leftover ham bone, bringing comfort and warmth to your dining table. Let’s dive into the preparation of this exquisite dish.
Image of After-the-Holidays Ham Bone Soup
Here’s a glimpse of the delicious outcome. The vibrant colors and hearty ingredients signal a meal that is both nutritious and fulfilling.

Ingredients
To create this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 leftover ham bone with some meat attached
- 8 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of mixed beans (canned or pre-cooked)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare the soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, typically about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Place the ham bone into the pot and pour in the 8 cups of water. Add the bay leaf and thyme, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- After the hour, remove the ham bone and set it aside to cool. Stir in the mixed beans and let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, carefully remove the meat from the ham bone, discarding any excess fat and the bone itself. Chop the ham meat into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley, if desired, for added freshness.
Enjoy this warm and nourishing soup that perfectly utilizes leftover ham, providing a delightful meal to cozy up with during these chilly days. It’s a great way to not let any part of your holiday meal go to waste!