Ham bone and vegetable soup –Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness with this Ham and Vegetable Soup! This recipe is perfect for using up that leftover ham from last night’s feast (or even that questionable piece of ham you’ve been avoiding in the back of the fridge – no judgment here!). Warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Let’s put on our aprons and get cooking!
Ham and Vegetable Soup
Picture this: it’s a chilly day, the wind is howling outside, and you’re curled up on the couch. The only thing that can make this moment better? A steaming bowl of homemade Ham and Vegetable Soup! So, let’s gather our ingredients and make magic happen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of diced leftover ham (the star of the show!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups of diced potatoes (because who doesn’t love potatoes?)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (for a pop of color and a dash of sweetness)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant (around 3-4 minutes). Smell that goodness? Yes, please!
- Next, toss in those lovely carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir for another 5 minutes, letting those flavors mingle like old friends at a reunion.
- Now, bring out that ham – it’s time to shine! Add the diced ham to the pot; it’s the guest of honor in this soup party. Pour in the chicken broth, add thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until all of your vegetables are tender and happy. Give it a little stir every now and then. It’s like giving your soup a loving hug!
- Just before serving, toss in those frozen peas. Stir them in, and let them warm up for a couple of minutes. They’ve been waiting for their moment to join the party.
- Remove the bay leaf (nobody wants a surprise leaf in their bowl), and give the soup a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and then it’s time to ladle this divine concoction into bowls.
Enjoy this hearty Ham and Vegetable Soup with a side of crusty bread or all by itself – you do you! Warm your soul and your belly, and share with those you love (or keep it all to yourself, we won’t tell!).