Tired of the same old leftover ham sandwiches? Let's elevate those delicious ham scraps into something truly spectacular with these quick and easy Instant Pot recipes! This isn't your grandma's ham and bean soup (though we'll touch on that too!). We're diving into flavorful, healthy meals perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend brunch. Get ready to transform those leftovers into delicious dishes your whole family will love.
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup (Instant Pot)
This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and create a comforting, healthy meal in minutes. It's perfect for a chilly evening and easily customizable to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add butter or olive oil and sauté the onion and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, ham, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat through for a couple of minutes on the "Sauté" function, but do not boil.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
- For a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, peas, or green beans.
- A splash of Dijon mustard adds a nice tangy flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ham and Cheese Quiche (Instant Pot)
This surprisingly easy quiche utilizes your Instant Pot for a perfectly cooked crust and creamy filling, making it a great option for a quick brunch or light dinner. This recipe qualifies as one of the best recipes for using up leftover ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 inch springform pan
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Grease the springform pan. Carefully place the pie crust in the pan and trim the edges. You can also use a silicone mold for easier removal.
- Add Filling: Spread the diced ham evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese.
- Instant Pot Cooking: Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. Carefully place the springform pan on the trivet. Cover and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before removing it from the pan and slicing.
Variations:
- Add different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, Creamy Ham and Potato Soup):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This information is a general guideline and can vary depending on the ingredients used.
These Instant Pot leftover ham recipes are quick, easy, delicious and perfect examples of healthy meals you can prepare in minutes using homemade cooking techniques. Enjoy transforming your leftovers into amazing dishes!