Transform leftover honey baked ham into a comforting and flavorful soup! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It's a fantastic way to minimize food waste and create a delicious, healthy meal using simple ingredients. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's one of the best recipes for using up leftover ham.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced leftover honey baked ham
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Ham and Broth
Add the diced honey baked ham to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Step 4: Blend (Optional)
For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches. Remember to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
Step 5: Stir in Cream (Optional)
If using, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a crusty bread roll for a complete and satisfying meal. This delicious dish is perfect for a quick dinner idea or a healthy lunch.
Cooking Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, use bone-in ham. The bone adds extra richness to the broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or peas.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Ham Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: Add 1 (15 ounce) can of your favorite beans (kidney beans, great northern beans, or black beans) along with the tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients and variations)
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This honey baked ham soup is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make and perfect for using leftover ingredients. It’s a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!