This Ham Bone Soup is a hearty and economical way to turn leftover ham into a comforting meal. Packed with vegetables and flavored with thyme, this soup delivers a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The addition of mixed vegetables ensures a balanced, nutrient-packed dish, while the ham bone adds a depth of flavor you can’t achieve with store-bought broth.

Ham Bone Soup

Ham Bone Soup FAQ

Do I need a ham bone with meat on it?
Yes, a ham bone with some meat attached adds flavor and provides tender pieces of ham to include in the soup.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Yes, fresh vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, and corn can be used as substitutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to three months.

Food History

Ham bone soup is a traditional recipe that showcases the frugal ingenuity of home cooks. By simmering a leftover ham bone, they could create a flavorful broth for soups and stews. The addition of vegetables and seasonings turns this simple broth into a hearty meal. This recipe reflects the mid-20th-century American cooking style, emphasizing practicality and the use of readily available ingredients like frozen vegetables.

Timeline

19th century: Ham bone soups become common in European and American households, reflecting frugal cooking traditions.
1940s–1950s: Frozen vegetables gain popularity as a convenient ingredient for soups.
Today: Ham bone soup remains a beloved way to make use of leftovers and feed a large group.

Recipe Discussion

This Ham Bone Soup features a rich tomato-based broth flavored with thyme and sugar to balance the acidity. Onions and celery contribute aromatics, while a family-sized package of mixed vegetables adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Simmering the ham bone extracts maximum flavor, creating a delicious base for this comforting soup.

The recipe is ideal for large gatherings or meal prep, as it makes more than a gallon and can easily be frozen for later use. It’s versatile, so you can add or substitute vegetables to suit your taste or what’s available.

Preparation Tips

Trim excess fat: Before simmering, trim any excess fat from the ham bone to avoid a greasy broth.
Don’t rush the simmering: Letting the ham bone simmer for at least an hour ensures a rich, flavorful broth.
Chop vegetables evenly: If using fresh vegetables, chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
Reheat gently: When reheating leftovers, warm the soup slowly to preserve its texture and flavor.

Recommended Kitchen Products

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Large stockpot: Essential for making a big batch of soup.
Ladle: Makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.
Freezer-safe containers: Perfect for storing leftover soup.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot.

Serving Suggestions

With crusty bread: Serve with fresh bread or rolls for dipping.
Topped with fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor.
With a salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
As a starter: Serve in smaller portions as an appetizer for a larger meal.
For leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

A Versatile and Hearty Soup

This Ham Bone Soup is a perfect example of turning simple ingredients into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for meal-prep options, this soup is sure to satisfy. Its rich broth, tender vegetables, and hearty pieces of ham make it a timeless recipe that you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ham Bone Soup Recipe

Ham Bone Soup

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

This Ham Bone Soup recipe combines a leftover ham bone, vegetables, and tomatoes to create a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients

1 ham bone with some meat
1 (30-ounce) can tomatoes
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large onions, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
½ teaspoon thyme
3 quarts water
1 family-size package frozen mixed vegetables
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Place the ham bone in a large soup pot. Add the tomatoes, sugar, onion, celery, thyme, and 3 quarts of water.
Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour or more.
Remove the ham bone and cut off the pieces of ham clinging to the bone. Return the ham to the pot.
Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until barely tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. This recipe makes a little more than a gallon and serves 16 to 20. Leftovers can be frozen.