Recipe for Vegetable Soup with Ham Bone Made Easy

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable soup enriched with the smoky, savory goodness of a ham bone. This classic recipe transforms simple, fresh vegetables into a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Using a ham bone not only adds layers of delicious flavor but also infuses the broth with a rich, meaty essence that elevates the soup far beyond ordinary vegetable stews. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a wholesome dish, this vegetable soup with ham bone is a perfect choice.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a straightforward, satisfying recipe that turns humble ingredients into something truly special. Plus, I’ll share tips for variations, nutritional insights, and serving ideas that will make this soup a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to make some magic with your ham bone? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable soup with ham bone is a fantastic way to maximize flavor and minimize waste. Instead of tossing that leftover ham bone, you can turn it into a rich broth that infuses your soup with smoky depth.

The combination of fresh vegetables and the savory ham base creates a balanced meal that’s both hearty and healthy.

It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Plus, the slow simmering process makes the soup incredibly flavorful without requiring constant attention, perfect for busy cooks.

It’s a budget-friendly recipe that stretches ingredients into multiple servings, making it ideal for families or meal prep. And best of all, this soup freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime!

Ingredients

• 1 ham bone (with some ham meat attached for extra flavor)
• 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cooked barley or rice for added texture

Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Soup ladle
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the ham bone broth: Place the ham bone in a large stockpot and cover with 6 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the broth simmer gently for about 1 hour to extract maximum flavor.
2. Sauté the aromatics: While the broth simmers, heat the olive oil in a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the ham bone: After the broth has simmered for an hour, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then pick off any remaining ham meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any gristle or bone fragments.
4. Combine broth and sautéed vegetables: Pour the strained broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add ham and optional grains: Stir in the chopped ham meat and cooked barley or rice if using. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“Using a ham bone not only enriches the broth with deep smoky flavor but also helps reduce food waste by utilizing every bit of your leftover ham.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, kale, or peas depending on seasonality and preference.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.
• Thicken it up: For a heartier soup, blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in to create a creamy texture without cream.
• Slow cooker option: After sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker with the ham bone and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• For a vegetarian twist: Omit the ham bone and substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile. Explore vegan fall soup recipes to expand your soup repertoire.

Nutrition Facts

*Sodium content depends on the saltiness of the ham bone and broth used. Use low-sodium broth and rinse the ham bone if you want to reduce sodium.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup with ham bone is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth.

A crisp green salad or steamed greens like spinach or kale complement the soup’s heartiness and add freshness to the meal. For a more filling dinner, offer it alongside roasted root vegetables or a simple grain salad.

Looking for more hearty meal ideas? Check out our cheap vegetarian recipes for families that are budget-friendly and full of flavor.

Conclusion

This vegetable soup with ham bone is a wonderful way to create a deeply flavorful, nourishing meal from simple ingredients. The smoky richness of the ham bone broth elevates everyday vegetables into a satisfying dish perfect for any season.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a comforting solo dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare, budget-conscious, and endlessly adaptable.

Embrace the art of slow simmering and the joy of turning leftovers into culinary treasures. For more inspiring recipes that celebrate wholesome ingredients and simple cooking techniques, explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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