Ham Bone Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Family Favorite

Ham bone soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for using up the leftover ham bone after a holiday feast or a Sunday roast. It’s economical, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips for creating a delicious and satisfying ham bone soup that your whole family will enjoy.

Why Make Ham Bone Soup?

There are several compelling reasons to make ham bone soup:

* **Economical:** It transforms what would otherwise be food waste (the ham bone) into a nourishing and delicious meal.
* **Flavorful:** The ham bone imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the soup that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the soup with your favorite vegetables and beans.
* **Comforting:** A warm bowl of ham bone soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
* **Easy to Make:** Once the ham bone is simmering, the soup practically makes itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ham Bone:** The star of the show! A leftover ham bone with some meat still attached is ideal. If your ham bone is very large, you may want to cut it in half to fit in your pot.
* **Aromatics:** Onion, carrots, and celery (mirepoix) form the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Beans (Dried):** Navy beans, Great Northern beans, or pinto beans are all excellent choices. Dried beans provide a hearty texture and absorb the smoky flavor of the ham. You can use canned beans in a pinch, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as good.
* **Broth/Stock:** Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water can be used as the base of the soup. Chicken broth will add more depth of flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** A classic soup ingredient that adds a subtle herbal aroma.
* **Dried Thyme:** Another herb that complements the ham flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be careful with the salt, as the ham bone is already salty.
* **Optional Vegetables:** Potatoes, corn, green beans, cabbage, spinach, or kale can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Smoked paprika, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add interesting flavor dimensions.

Ingredient Quantities (Approximate)

* 1 large ham bone (with some meat)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup dried beans (navy, Great Northern, or pinto), rinsed
* 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water)
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1-2 potatoes, diced; 1 cup corn; 1 cup green beans; 1/2 head cabbage, shredded; a handful of spinach or kale

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large stockpot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making delicious ham bone soup:

Step 1: Soak the Beans (Optional but Recommended)

Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and makes them easier to digest. There are two methods for soaking beans:

* **Overnight Soak:** Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Let them soak for 8-12 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
* **Quick Soak:** Place the dried beans in a large pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before using.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the beans will take longer to cook.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or other cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (mirepoix). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

Step 3: Add the Ham Bone, Beans, and Broth

Place the ham bone in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the soaked and rinsed beans, chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water), bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavor will be extracted from the ham bone and infused into the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Check the beans for doneness after 2 hours. They should be tender but not mushy. If the beans are not yet tender, continue to simmer the soup until they are.

Step 5: Remove the Ham Bone and Shred the Meat

Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place the ham bone on a cutting board and let it cool slightly.

Once the ham bone is cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a fork to shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and any skin or fat.

Step 6: Add the Shredded Ham and Optional Vegetables

Return the shredded ham to the pot. If you’re using any optional vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, green beans, or cabbage, add them to the pot at this time. If you’re using spinach or kale, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Simmer Until Vegetables are Tender

Continue to simmer the soup until the added vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes for potatoes and green beans, and less for spinach or kale.

Step 8: Season to Taste

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as the ham bone is already salty. Start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Ham Bone Soup

* **Use a Good Quality Ham Bone:** The better the quality of the ham bone, the more flavorful the soup will be. Look for a ham bone with plenty of meat still attached.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking Step (If Possible):** Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and makes them easier to digest. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the beans will take longer to cook.
* **Simmer the Soup Long Enough:** Simmering the soup for at least 2 hours, or even longer, will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more flavorful soup.
* **Don’t Overcook the Beans:** Check the beans for doneness after 2 hours. They should be tender but not mushy. If the beans are overcooked, they will become mushy and the soup will be less appealing.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be careful with the salt, as the ham bone is already salty.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the soup.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Use a Slow Cooker:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the ham and add it back to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Vegetarian (Almost):** If you don’t have a ham bone, you can still make a flavorful bean soup. Add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of ham. You’ll need to use vegetable broth, of course.

## Variations and Additions

* **Smoked Sausage:** Add diced smoked sausage to the soup for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Ham Hocks:** Use ham hocks instead of a ham bone. Ham hocks are typically less expensive than ham bones and provide a similar flavor.
* **Lentils:** Substitute lentils for beans. Lentils cook much faster than beans, so you’ll need to reduce the cooking time.
* **Barley:** Add barley to the soup for a heartier texture.
* **Rice:** Add cooked rice to the soup just before serving.
* **Other Vegetables:** Experiment with different vegetables, such as turnips, parsnips, or butternut squash.
* **Herbs:** Try adding different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or parsley.
* **Spices:** Add other spices, such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric.

## Serving Suggestions

Ham bone soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with:

* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing with bean soup.
* **Salad:** A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A comforting and satisfying combination.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover ham bone soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Ham bone soup can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 10-15g

*Note: Nutrition information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Ham bone soup is a delicious, economical, and versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. With its rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe provides everything you need to make a perfect pot of ham bone soup, so get cooking and enjoy!