Cozy Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Flavorful Evenings

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by marie

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Packed with fresh flavors
  • Customizable ingredients
  • Perfect for healthy meals

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever experienced the cozy embrace of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? The aroma of simmering ham bone soup wafting through your home evokes memories of family gatherings and cherished moments. This Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, inviting you to savor each flavorful sip while wrapped in your favorite blanket.

As the rich, savory broth mingles with tender vegetables and hearty chunks of ham, it creates an irresistible melody of flavors that dances on your palate. Ideal for rainy days or cozy nights by the fireplace, this soup warms both body and soul. Get ready to dive into a comforting experience that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo while indulging in a good book or movie.

Key Ingredients For Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ham Bone: A meaty ham bone adds depth and flavor to the broth; choose one with some remaining meat for best results.

  • Vegetables: Use a mix of carrots, celery, and onion for aromatic sweetness; fresh vegetables enhance the overall taste.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves impart robust flavor; opt for firm bulbs for maximum potency.

  • Dried Herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley give the soup its signature comforting aroma; use dried herbs for convenience.

  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth serves as the base; it balances the saltiness from the ham.

  • Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness to the dish; Yukon Gold works well for creaminess and texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and set aside. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.

Second Step: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor as the vegetables release their natural sugars.

Third Step: Add Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter quickly!

Fourth Step: Combine Ingredients

Add the ham bone to the pot along with diced potatoes, dried herbs, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.

Fifth Step: Simmer

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for at least one hour. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Sixth Step: Final Touches

Remove the ham bone from the pot once it’s done simmering. Shred any remaining meat off the bone and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Transfer to bowls and enjoy this comforting soup with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that will warm you inside out.

Recipe preparation

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Use Quality Ham Bone: The better quality your ham bone is, the richer your broth will be.

  • Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies like green beans or corn based on your preference.

  • Leftovers Are Great!: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop—perfect for meal prep!

Cooking Instructions

To prepare this Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful, start by gathering all your ingredients. First, place the ham bone in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour. This allows the flavors from the ham bone to infuse into the broth.

Next, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. These vegetables provide a solid base of flavor and texture. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, incorporate diced potatoes and your choice of beans for added heartiness. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or bay leaves at this stage.

Allow the soup to simmer until all vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.

Presentation Ideas

This Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Freshly baked bread – A slice of warm bread complements the soup perfectly.

  • Garnished with herbs – Fresh parsley or chives can enhance visual appeal and flavor.

  • Cheese sprinkle – A light sprinkle of parmesan adds richness to each bowl.

FAQs

What is the best type of ham bone for this soup?

Choosing the right ham bone is crucial for achieving maximum flavor in your Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful. Look for a bone that still has some meat attached, as this will add depth to your broth. Smoked ham bones work particularly well because they infuse a rich smokiness into the soup. You can often find these at your local butcher or grocery store after holiday seasons when hams are popular.

Can I use leftover ham instead of a ham bone?

Absolutely! If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner or any other occasion, feel free to use it in this recipe. Simply cut it into chunks and add it at the same stage you would introduce the vegetables. This will still create a delightful Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful without needing a bone.

How long can I store leftover soup?

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions of your Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful. It freezes well and can last up to three months in the freezer without losing its flavor.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

This recipe is very adaptable! You can include different vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition. Additionally, consider adding spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you enjoy some heat in your dishes. Experimenting with different beans or even grains like barley can transform your Comforting Ham Bone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Flavorful into something uniquely yours!

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Comforting Ham Bone Soup for Cozy Evenings


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  • Author: marie
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Warm up with this delightful Comforting Ham Bone Soup, a perfect blend of savory ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Each spoonful offers a rich, flavorful broth that evokes memories of home and family gatherings. Ideal for chilly nights, this soup not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Serve it with crusty bread for a truly comforting experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 meaty ham bone (with some meat attached)
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate the ham bone, diced potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and chicken broth into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.
  5. Cover and let simmer on low heat for at least one hour to meld flavors.
  6. Remove the ham bone; shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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