Hearty Ham Soup

Creating memories in the kitchen often begins with simple ingredients that transform into a comforting meal. I vividly remember the first time I made a hearty ham soup with my family. The aroma of sautéing vegetables, the rich scent of chicken broth, and the delight on my loved ones’ faces made a lasting impression. This dish became a staple in our home, where warmth and love fused in every bowl.

Hearty ham soup celebrates the culinary magic of home cooking. Each ingredient carries the potential for nourishment and connection. As the soup simmers, it reflects the care we put into our meals. This recipe remains a go-to for family gatherings and cozy weeknights alike.

Let’s dive into the world of hearty ham soup. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that warms both the body and soul. Watch as vibrant colors and delightful flavors meld together, offering a sense of comfort unmatched by any take-out option. Discover the joy of crafting this dish in your kitchen, sharing it with those you cherish the most.

Hearty Ham Soup Fundamentals

Creating a delicious hearty ham soup starts with understanding its core components. The base of this soup involves a symphony of flavors from diced ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. These ingredients unite to deliver a satisfying meal.

First, the key to flavor lies in the vegetables. Onions, carrots, and celery form the trinity of your base. They provide sweetness and depth. Sautéing these vegetables beforehand enhances their natural flavors, setting the stage for the rest of your soup.

Preparation begins with chopping your ingredients. Dice the ham into manageable pieces, and ensure your onion is finely chopped for even cooking. Slice the carrots and celery uniformly to promote even cooking in the pot. Finally, mince your garlic to unlock its rich flavor potential.

Preparation/setup

In the kitchen, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. Pull out your large pot, which will become the heart of your cooking. The first step involves sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their delightful fragrances. Make sure to watch your vegetables carefully; you want them tender but not browned.

After a minute of adding minced garlic, the aroma will take over the kitchen. From there, stir in your diced ham. This ingredient contributes a savory essence to the soup, elevating its flavor profile. Pour in the rich chicken broth, followed by diced potatoes and thyme. The broth serves as a liquid canvas for the other ingredients, allowing their flavors to mingle and develop.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your hearty ham soup:

• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

Now, let’s move to the fun part: cooking!

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the diced ham, chicken broth, potatoes, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Hearty Ham Soup Techniques

Cooking is as much an art as it is a science, and mastering techniques is key to perfecting your hearty ham soup. Focus on the cooking methods that enhance the dish’s flavors.

Sautéing your vegetables properly will yield a richer, deeper flavor in the soup. Incorporate them into the pot in stages, as they all have different cooking times. Start with the onions to develop a foundation flavor before adding the sturdier carrots and celery.

When simmering your hearty ham soup, be patient. Allow it to bubble gently for the suggested time to soften the potatoes and marry the flavors. This gradual cooking will bring the soup to its full potential.

Tips/Tricks

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Fresh thyme offers a fragrant aroma, elevating the entire dish.

2. Timing: Pay attention to the timing of adding frozen peas. This last-minute addition ensures they retain their vibrant color and snap.

3. Broth Choices: While chicken broth adds a savory base, feel free to experiment with homemade broth for even more depth.

4. Texture Preference: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup for a smoother consistency, leaving some vegetables intact for texture.

Perfecting Results with Hearty Ham Soup

Creating the ultimate hearty ham soup involves attention to detail. Adjust flavors and make the dish your own while keeping it cozy and satisfying.

To perfect the results, always taste your soup as it cooks. Adjusting the seasoning throughout the cooking process allows for a dynamic flavor profile that suits your palate. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more thyme or a dash of salt if needed.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you find your soup is too salty, consider adding a potato. The potato will absorb excess salt as it cooks. Likewise, incorporating a splash more chicken broth or additional water can balance overly strong flavors.

For those wanting to explore variations, consider adding a splash of lemon juice near serving time. This brightens the dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the experience. You could also tweak the vegetables; adding bell peppers or spinach increases the nutrient content and adds freshness.

Serving and Presentation with Hearty Ham Soup

Serving your hearty ham soup is as delightful as the cooking process itself. Use a sturdy soup bowl that showcases the vibrant colors of your dish. Ladle the soup generously, ensuring each serving contains an assortment of vegetables and ham.

For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of thyme on top adds a pleasing visual element. Pair your soup with thick crusty bread or warm rolls for a complete meal experience that warms the heart and fills the stomach.

Pairings/Storage

While this hearty ham soup stands tall on its own, consider pairing it with a side salad to enhance your meal further. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors in the soup. For those chilly nights, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread, perfect for dipping.

Storing your soup is straightforward. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more enjoyable on the second day. This soup freezes well, so consider storing portions for quick meals in the future.

Conclusion

Hearty ham soup offers warmth, comfort, and connection, creating moments that bring families and friends together. This dish embodies the essence of home cooking, celebrating each ingredient’s unique contribution. Crafting this soup becomes an act of love, fostering memories that last a lifetime. Grab your ingredients and unveil the joy of heartwarming meals that create lasting bonds.

Hearty Ham Soup

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and flavorful soup made with diced ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the diced ham, chicken broth, potatoes, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion, leaving some vegetables intact for texture. If your soup is too salty, add a potato to absorb excess salt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: ham soup, comfort food, family recipe, hearty soup, easy soup recipe