Why Make This Recipe
Hot Ham Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up inside and out. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need something hearty and filling. Made with simple ingredients, it’s also a great way to use up leftover ham. This soup is not only tasty but also easy to make, making it a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
How to Make Hot Ham Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 medium potatoes (diced)
- 6 cups broth or stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
- Add dried thyme and bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. Enjoy!
How to Serve Hot Ham Soup
Serve Hot Ham Soup in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This soup is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a larger feast.
How to Store Hot Ham Soup
To store Hot Ham Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Hot Ham Soup
- Use leftover ham to make this recipe more economical and reduce food waste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
Variation
You can modify Hot Ham Soup by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste. For a spicy kick, include crushed red pepper or hot sauce. You can also make it creamy by adding a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ham with chicken, turkey, or even sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth along with a variety of vegetables. You can add beans or lentils for protein.
3. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Hot Ham Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers.

Hot Ham Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham Use leftover ham for best flavor.
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 medium potatoes (diced)
- 6 cups broth or stock (chicken or vegetable) Ensure all ingredients are submerged.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 leaves bay leaves Remove before serving.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
- Add dried thyme and bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve.
Notes
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