Ham Soup Recipe: A Delicious, Freezer-Friendly Meal with Beans, Vegetables, and Leftover Ham

Ham Soup Recipe: A Delicious, Freezer-Friendly Meal with Beans, Vegetables, and Leftover Ham

Ham soup is a perfect dish for using up leftover ham and creating a flavourful, hearty meal. This ham soup recipe combines beans, vegetables, and a rich broth, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s an easy, freezer-friendly dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing ham soup and share some helpful tips for the best results.


Why You’ll Love This Ham Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and simple way to use up leftover ham, this ham soup is the ideal solution. It’s easy to make and can be cooked on the stove or in a crock pot.

The soup is filled with a variety of vegetables, such as spinach or kale, along with beans and seasonings that blend perfectly into a savoury broth.

The best part? This soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy, offering a generous amount of vegetables and protein.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the taste of ham without it being overwhelming. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a filling meal for the weekend, this soup fits the bill.


Key Ingredients for Ham Soup

To create this delicious ham soup, you’ll need a variety of simple ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced dish. Here are the main ingredients:

  • Leftover ham (about 2.5 cups, diced)
  • Canned beans (such as Pinto, Cannellini, or Navy beans)
  • Spinach or kale for added nutrients
  • Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic for the base flavour
  • Olive oil, butter, and white wine for sautéing and deglazing
  • Seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, mustard powder, oregano, basil, and parsley to enhance the flavour
  • Low-sodium chicken broth to create a rich base without too much salt
  • Heavy cream (optional) for a creamy texture

These ingredients combine to create a soup that’s rich in flavour and nutrition.


How to Make Ham Soup

Making ham soup is incredibly straightforward, and you can choose to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to prepare the soup on the stovetop:

Step 1: Sauté the Ham

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and cook until it’s golden and crispy. Once it’s cooked, remove the ham from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot with White Wine

Next, pour white wine into the pot and deglaze it. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to lift any caramelised bits (fond) that are stuck to the surface. Let the wine reduce by half to concentrate its flavour.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add butter to the pot and sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery for about 5-6 minutes. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Broth

Once the vegetables have softened, add the canned beans (drained but not rinsed) and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Ham

After boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the crispy ham back to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, partially covered, to allow the flavours to meld together.

Step 6: Stir in the Spinach

Finally, stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.


Slow Cooker Method for Ham Soup

If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can easily adapt the recipe. Simply add all the ingredients except for the spinach into the slow cooker, omitting the white wine.

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring until it wilts.

For extra flavour, you can follow the stovetop method for frying the ham and deglazing with wine, and then transfer everything into the crock pot.


Tips for the Best Ham Soup

Here are some pro tips to elevate your ham soup:

  • Enhancers: The hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder in the recipe enhance the flavour of the soup without making it spicy. Don’t skip these – they’re crucial for the depth of flavour.
  • Wine: Use Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc for the best results. These wines add acidity that balances the richness of the soup. If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can use extra chicken broth instead.
  • Beans: You can use any type of canned beans you like, such as Great Northern or Navy beans. The combination of beans adds different textures to the soup.
  • Low-Sodium Options: Since ham and canned beans can be salty, opt for low-sodium chicken broth. If you only have regular broth, you can rinse the beans briefly to remove some salt.

Storing and Freezing Ham Soup

This ham soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans for ham soup?


Yes, you can! Just soak and cook the dried beans beforehand. Refer to my ham and bean soup recipe for detailed instructions.

Can I make this ham soup ahead of time?


Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge.

What are the best wines to use in ham soup?


Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are all excellent choices. They add a nice acidity that balances the rich flavours of the ham.

Can I use other greens besides spinach?


Yes, kale or other leafy greens are great alternatives to spinach.

How can I make this soup spicier?


If you prefer a spicier soup, add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.


Conclusion

This ham soup recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover ham while creating a delicious, hearty meal that’s full of flavour.

It’s easy to prepare, whether on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, and it’s freezer-friendly for future meals. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a favourite in your household.


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