Hearty Homemade Ham Soup Recipe

Craving a truly satisfying meal? This homemade ham soup recipe delivers warmth and incredible flavor in every spoonful. It is packed with tender ham, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, creating a comforting bowl perfect for any day. Get ready to enjoy a rich, hearty, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Soup

• Perfect for Leftover Ham: This recipe is ideal for transforming holiday ham into a delicious new meal.
• Incredibly Flavorful and Satisfying: Each bite offers a delightful blend of smoky ham, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.
• Quick, Straightforward to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have this comforting soup on the table in under an hour.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables to make this ham soup uniquely yours.
• A Comforting, Budget-Friendly Meal: Enjoy a nourishing and wholesome dinner without breaking the bank, perfect for family meals.

Ingredients for the Best Ham Soup

To make this delightful ham soup, gather these fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile you’ll enjoy. You will be amazed how simple ingredients create such a rich, complex taste.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 ½ cups ham (diced)
• ½ cup white dry white wine (see notes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup carrots (diced)
• 2 celery ribs (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 32 oz. pinto beans (Two 16 oz. cans, drained but not rinsed)
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon EACH: ground sage, pepper
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

• Ham: Use your leftover holiday ham or easily find pre-cooked diced ham at the store.
• Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or water.
• Beans: Great northern or cannellini beans are excellent alternatives if pinto beans are not available.
• Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutrition by adding diced potatoes, corn kernels, or peas.
• Broth: For a lighter flavor profile, vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe.
• Cream: Heavy cream adds a luscious richness and body to the soup, but it is entirely optional.

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your tools before you begin cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.

• Large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or a silicone spatula

How to Make Ham Soup (Step-by-Step)

Crafting this hearty ham soup is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal. You’ll have a comforting bowl ready in no time.

1. Crisp the Ham: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and cook until it is golden brown and slightly crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. If your ham is not already diced, crisp whole slices and dice them after cooling slightly. Remove the ham from the pot and set it aside.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Turn off the heat. Carefully pour in the dry white wine. Turn the heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom and sides of the pot. Let the wine bubble gently and reduce by half, which takes approximately 4 minutes. This step is crucial for capturing rich flavors.

   The classic French technique of deglazing involves adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen flavorful browned bits, known as ‘fond,’ which significantly enhances the depth of your dish.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add Beans and Broth: Pour in the drained pinto beans, followed by the low sodium chicken broth. If you are using heavy cream for extra richness, add it now. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
5. Simmer the Soup: Return the reserved crispy ham to the pot. Let the ham soup simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Make sure to run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot every 10 minutes or so to prevent ingredients from settling and potentially sticking.
6. Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach. Allow it to wilt into the hot soup, which usually takes about 3 minutes. The vibrant green adds both color and a touch of freshness.
7. Adjust and Serve: Taste the ham soup and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a pinch more salt or pepper. Transfer the warm soup to serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ham Soup

Enhance your cooking experience and achieve the best possible flavor with these expert tips. These small adjustments make a big difference in your homemade ham soup.

• Crisp the Ham: This step develops extra texture and a deeper, smoky flavor that permeates the entire soup. Do not skip it.
• Deglaze the Pot: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pot, called “fond,” are packed with flavor. Deglazing captures them, enriching your soup base.
• Use Quality Broth: A good quality low sodium chicken broth forms the foundation of your soup’s flavor. Choose one you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Aim for tender-crisp vegetables. Overcooking can make them mushy and diminish their fresh taste and texture in the ham soup.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Seasoning is personal; adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking.
• Soften Beans: Ensure your canned beans are thoroughly drained and heated through for the best texture. If using dried beans, cook them fully first.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile ham soup is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with various sides. You can also easily store leftovers or adapt the recipe to create new flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread or cornbread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
• Simple green salad: A light, fresh salad provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Dollop of sour cream: A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang that balances the smoky ham.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftover ham soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Gently reheat refrigerated or thawed soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave.

Recipe Variations

• Smoky Ham Soup: Add a few drops of liquid smoke along with the broth for an intensified smoky flavor.
• Spicy Ham Soup: Increase the hot sauce, or add a pinch of red chili flakes with the other seasonings for extra heat.
• Creamy Ham Soup: Use a bit more heavy cream (½ cup) or stir in a splash of half-and-half for a richer, more luxurious texture.
• Vegetable Packed: Incorporate extra vegetables like diced potatoes, corn, or frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
• Bean Variety: Experiment with different types of beans, such as cannellini, great northern, or kidney beans, for a new twist.

Ham Soup Nutrition (Estimated)

This ham soup is a hearty, protein-rich meal that offers significant nutritional benefits. It provides lean protein from the ham and plenty of fiber from the wholesome vegetables and beans. It is a satisfying dish that helps keep you full. You can easily customize it to meet various dietary needs, making it a healthy choice.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimated)
Calories	350-400
Protein	25-30g
Fat	15-20g
Carbohydrates	30-35g
Fiber	8-10g
Sodium	800-900mg

Ham Soup FAQ

• Can I use pre-cooked ham? Yes, absolutely! Pre-cooked diced ham works perfectly and saves you time in the kitchen.
• What if I don’t have wine? You can easily substitute the dry white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or even water. The ham soup will still be delicious.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. Sauté the ham and aromatics first on the stovetop, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• How long does ham soup last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in appropriate containers for up to 3 months.
• What are good side dishes? Crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad make excellent companions for this satisfying ham soup.

Conclusion

This hearty homemade ham soup is more than just a meal; it is a bowl of comfort and flavor, perfect for any occasion. With its rich, savory notes and simple preparation, it is an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. We encourage you to try this easy ham soup recipe and discover your new favorite way to enjoy ham. Share your culinary creations and let us know how much you loved it!