Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup Recipe

Here’s a hearty and flavorful recipe for Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup, perfect for making use of that leftover ham bone from a holiday meal or Sunday dinner. This soup is easy, filling, and loaded with vegetables, beans, and smoky ham flavor. Using the Instant Pot helps speed up the cooking process while infusing all the delicious flavors.

Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 leftover hambone with some meat still attached (or about 2 cups diced ham if no bone is available)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried split peas or dried beans (such as navy beans, Great Northern beans, or black-eyed peas), rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (optional, to balance the flavors)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Add the Ham Bone and Broth:
   • Add the leftover ham bone (with any meat still attached) to the pot. If you don’t have a hambone, add about 2 cups of diced ham.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
3. Add the Seasonings:
   • Stir in the rinsed split peas or beans, diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary (if using), bay leaf, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Ensure that the liquid covers the ingredients. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
4. Cook the Soup:
   • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing.
   • Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook (high pressure) for 25 minutes if using dried split peas, or 30 minutes if using dried beans.
   • Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
5. Finish the Soup:
   • Open the lid and carefully remove the hambone. If you used a hambone, shred the remaining meat off the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone.
   • Stir the soup to combine and check the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if desired. For a little extra brightness, stir in a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.

Serving Suggestions:

• Bread: Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup.

Tips:

• Broth Options: If you want a richer flavor, use low-sodium chicken stock instead of broth, or add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• No Hambone?: If you don’t have a ham bone, you can still make this soup by using diced ham or a smoked ham hock, which will provide the same depth of flavor.
• Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and hambone, and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. You can also add a small amount of liquid smoke for a similar effect.

Customizations:

• More Veggies: You can add extra veggies like corn, spinach, kale, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, you can purée part of the soup with an immersion blender, or add a cup of heavy cream or milk after cooking.

This Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup is a great way to repurpose your leftover ham into a filling, comforting meal. It’s packed with flavors and is perfect for cold weather or whenever you’re craving a hearty, homemade soup. Enjoy!