There’s something timeless and comforting about a classic vegetable soup, especially when it’s enriched with the deep, smoky flavor of a hambone. This old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone recipe is a delightful way to transform humble pantry staples and fresh veggies into a soul-warming meal.
It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something nourishing and hearty. Using a hambone not only adds richness but also infuses the broth with layers of savory goodness that elevate the vegetables to new heights.
This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned cooks who appreciate traditional, slow-simmered flavors. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a make-ahead meal that only gets better with time, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use leftover ham bones, reducing waste while maximizing flavor. Ready your pot and vegetables — this classic soup will soon become a favorite staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone is a hearty, flavorful, and economical meal that brings nostalgic comfort with every spoonful. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Rich, savory broth: The hambone imparts a deep, smoky flavor that turns simple vegetables into a gourmet experience.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, this soup delivers a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables or beans, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking.
- Budget-friendly: Using a hambone and seasonal vegetables helps keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 hambone with some meat attached (about 2-3 pounds)
- 8 cups water (or enough to cover the hambone in the pot)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Colander or strainer (optional, for removing the hambone)
- Ladle and soup bowls for serving
- Storage containers for leftovers
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Place the hambone in a large stockpot and cover with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the hambone: Reduce heat to low, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a spoon. Add the bay leaf and let the broth simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer extracts rich flavor from the hambone and meat.
- Remove the hambone: Lift the hambone out of the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or colander into another pot to remove any bone fragments and bay leaf. Return the clean broth to the pot.
- Extract meat from the hambone: Once cool enough to handle, pick off any remaining ham meat from the bone and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add this meat back into the broth.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables to the broth: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the broth. Add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with fresh bread or crackers.
Tips & Variations
“For an even richer broth, add a splash of apple cider vinegar while simmering the hambone to help extract minerals and deepen flavor.”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand — cabbage, kale, or peas work wonderfully.
- Add beans or lentils: For extra protein and heartiness, toss in a can of drained beans or cooked lentils during the last 20 minutes of simmering.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.
- Slow cooker option: After sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal | 9% |
Protein | 12 g | 24% |
Fat | 6 g | 9% |
Carbohydrates | 18 g | 6% |
Fiber | 4 g | 16% |
Sodium | 650 mg | 27% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
For a cozy meal, serve alongside Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy to satisfy any sweet tooth after your savory dinner.
If you’re looking for more comforting soup ideas, check out these recipes: 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings. Both are excellent companions to your vegetable soup adventures.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone is a timeless recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and nutrition to your table. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a meal full of depth and comfort.
This soup not only celebrates the humble vegetable but also honors the tradition of making the most of every ingredient, transforming a hambone into a rich, savory broth that elevates the dish to something truly special.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. The ease of preparation combined with its customizable nature makes it perfect for all skill levels and occasions.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes on our site, like the A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or the wholesome Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
📖 Recipe Card: All Recipes Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup with Hambone
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup made with a smoky hambone base. Perfect for a comforting meal using simple ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 smoked hambone with some meat
- 8 cups water
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place the hambone in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove hambone and set aside; discard any small bones.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the broth and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add potatoes, green beans, corn, and tomatoes to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme; simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove meat from hambone, chop, and return to soup.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 20 g
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