Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and healthy? Look no further! This Ham and Veg Soup recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a hearty weekend supper. Packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful ham, this homemade soup is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. It's one of those best recipes that's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup chopped ham (leftover ham works perfectly!)
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
This easy recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for quick dinner ideas.
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the broth and ham: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped ham. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the potatoes, green beans, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Stir in the peas: Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through. Don't overcook the peas, as they can become mushy.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer, more flavorful soup, use homemade vegetable broth or add a bay leaf while simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- If you don't have fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables work just as well. Just add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Leftover ham and bone can add extra flavour! Simmer the bone in the broth for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the peas.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham and Veg Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Ham and Veg Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving for a creamier texture.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: Add a can of drained and rinsed beans (kidney beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans) along with the potatoes for a more protein-packed meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This healthy and delicious Ham and Veg Soup is a versatile and satisfying meal. It's a great way to use leftover ham, and it's easily customizable to your preferences. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup any time of year! It's a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple, healthy ingredients.