Leftover Hambone Soup Recipe

Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Leftover Hambone Soup—a comforting, hearty soup that transforms your leftover ham bone into a flavorful, savory meal. This soup combines the rich, smoky flavors from the ham bone with tender vegetables, beans, and spices, making it the perfect way to use up leftover holiday ham. It’s great for a cozy meal that will feed a crowd!

Leftover Hambone Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat still attached, or diced leftover ham)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more if needed)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups dried white beans (such as Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini), soaked overnight and drained (or 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1-2 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Soup Base:
    • In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, add the ham bone (with leftover meat) and the chicken broth. If you have leftover diced ham, you can add that instead of the ham bone.
    • Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes, allowing the ham bone to infuse the broth with flavor. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top during the first few minutes of simmering.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • While the broth is simmering, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
    • Add the garlic, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and rosemary (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Vegetables and Beans to the Soup:
    • After the broth has simmered, add the sautéed vegetables, soaked and drained beans, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
    • Continue simmering the soup for an additional 1-1.5 hours (if using dried beans), or until the beans are tender and the potatoes are cooked through. If using canned beans, simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Check the Seasoning:
    • Once the beans and vegetables are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the ham.
  5. Shred the Ham:
    • If using a ham bone, remove it from the soup and carefully shred any remaining meat from the bone. Discard the bone, then return the shredded ham to the soup. If you used leftover ham, you can simply stir it in at this point.
  6. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Bread: Serve this hearty soup with a thick slice of crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
  • Salad: A light, tangy green salad with a vinaigrette would balance the richness of the soup nicely.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Tips:

  • Using Canned Beans: If you’re short on time, you can substitute 2 cans of white beans (drained and rinsed) for the dried beans. This will reduce the cooking time significantly. Just add them about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the ham bone and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
  • Extra Smokiness: If you want more smoky flavor, you can add a bit of smoked sausage to the soup, or a few drops of liquid smoke (just a little goes a long way!).
  • Storage: Leftover Hambone Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Customizations:

  • Add Greens: For added nutrition, stir in some kale or spinach in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
  • Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
  • Other Beans: Feel free to mix up the beans. You can use kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils depending on what you have on hand.

This Leftover Hambone Soup is a fantastic way to use up that ham bone and create a hearty, flavorful soup that will satisfy your whole family. The combination of smoky ham, tender beans, and savory vegetables makes it a perfect comfort food for chilly days. Enjoy!

Laura Mariano

Written by Laura Mariano

Laura Mariano is a food blogger who founded Recipes By Gymonset.com to make cooking easier. Growing up on a farm in Spain, Laura was inspired by exquisite dishes prepared using simple ingredients. Laura Mariano is particularly known for making anyone can cook.

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