There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when it carries the rich, smoky flavors of a hambone. This classic All Recipes Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup with Hambone is a timeless dish that blends hearty vegetables, savory broth, and the subtle depth that only a hambone can provide.
Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a nutritious, soul-warming meal, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The slow simmering of the hambone infuses the broth with a unique flavor that elevates simple vegetables into a delightful feast.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward but delivers incredible taste and comfort in every spoonful. Dive into this old-fashioned favorite and discover why it remains a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable soup with hambone strikes the perfect balance between rich, meaty flavors and fresh, wholesome vegetables. The hambone adds a deep, smoky undertone that transforms a simple vegetable soup into a hearty, satisfying meal.
It’s a wonderful way to use leftover ham bones, reducing waste while creating something delicious.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season.
It’s also a great recipe to prepare in advance, as the flavors only deepen when reheated. If you enjoy recipes that are good for your soul and your budget, this soup will quickly become a staple.
Additionally, this recipe is a wonderful introduction to slow-cooked soups, teaching you how to build layers of flavor without complicated techniques. For more hearty soup ideas and comforting recipes, check out our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 hambone (from a cooked ham, with some meat still attached)
- 8 cups water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Strainer or slotted spoon
- Bowls for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Place the hambone in your large stockpot and cover with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer extracts all the smoky, meaty flavors from the bone.
- Remove the hambone: Carefully remove the hambone from the pot. Using a fork or knife, pick off any remaining meat and set aside. Discard the bone.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot with the broth, add olive oil or butter and heat over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to start softening the veggies.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the green beans, corn, peas, and canned diced tomatoes (if using). Add bay leaves and dried thyme. Stir well.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Return the meat: Add the reserved ham meat back into the soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves.
- Final touches: Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
Tip: To deepen the flavor even more, roast your hambone in the oven for 15-20 minutes before simmering.
Variation: Swap out green beans for kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes for a leafy green boost.
Vegetarian adaptation: Omit the hambone and use vegetable broth instead, and add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg (varies depending on ham bone) |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone makes a hearty main course on its own, but there are plenty of ways to round out your meal. Serve with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to add freshness.
For a more indulgent meal, top with a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream. On colder days, add a side of baked potatoes or garlic bread for extra comfort.
If you love exploring vegetarian dishes, you might also enjoy our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals or our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about an old-fashioned vegetable soup with hambone — it’s a dish that evokes memories of home-cooked comfort and simple, nourishing ingredients. This recipe showcases how a humble hambone can transform a basic vegetable medley into a rich, flavorful soup that satisfies both body and soul.
Whether you’re cooking for family or looking for a delicious way to use leftover ham bones, this soup is a winner every time.
Easy to customize and perfect for any season, it invites you to experiment with vegetables and seasonings while sticking to a tried-and-true base. Don’t forget to check out other comforting recipes like our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals to keep your repertoire full of wholesome, tasty meals.
Warm up your kitchen, fill your home with irresistible aromas, and enjoy every spoonful of this classic soup!
đź“– Recipe Card: All Recipes Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup with Hambone
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup enhanced with the rich taste of a hambone. Perfect for a comforting meal using simple ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT2H
Total Time: PT2H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 smoked hambone with some meat
- 8 cups water
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place hambone and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours to extract flavor.
- Remove hambone and chop any remaining meat; set aside.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the broth and cook 15 minutes.
- Add potatoes, green beans, corn, tomatoes, and thyme; simmer 30 minutes.
- Return chopped hambone meat to soup, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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