Whipping up a bowl of Crispy Gnocchi Ham & Leek Soup is like getting a warm hug on a chilly day. The crispy gnocchi bring such a fun crunch to the creamy broth that you’ll want to scoop up every last drop!
This recipe solves busy weeknights with a quick, comforting soup using pantry staples, minimal gnocchi prep, ham, and leeks, and leaves little cleanup.
Sometimes I find myself staring at leftover ham wondering what to do with it. You know, that classic end-of-the-week dilemma? This soup really helps me use up that ham in a way that everyone loves, and it comes together so easily!
You can have this cozy meal ready in just 35 minutes, 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup for me and more time relaxing with my family.
If you love soups that can adapt to what you’ve got in the fridge, this is one to try! If you want to add a fun treat for dessert, chicken orzo salad is a great option!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture This soup features crispy gnocchi that adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy broth. It’s just that satisfying crunch you didn’t know you needed.
- Rich Flavor With a creamy, savory base and aromatic herbs, every spoonful is hearty and comforting. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights.
- Leftover Magic This recipe efficiently uses leftover ham, so you won’t let anything go to waste. It’s an easy way to reinvent ingredients that might otherwise be forgotten.
- Easy to Store Leftovers can go in the fridge for three days, just keep the crispy gnocchi separate. It’s a breeze to enjoy this comforting soup later on without losing that texture.
Crispy Gnocchi Ham and Leek Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: unknown
- Diet: gluten free
Description
A comforting soup featuring crispy gnocchi, ham, and leeks, flavored with herbs and a creamy base, perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 leek, chopped (approximately 100g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped (approximately 120g)
- 1 large potato, chopped (approximately 250g)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 14 oz (396g) gnocchi
- 1 to 1.5 cups (approximately 150-225g) chopped ham
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- Fresh thyme & dill, for garnish
- 3 tbsp (42g) butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Gnocchi: Start by toasting your gnocchi in a skillet with 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat until they turn golden and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. You will notice a lovely aroma as they brown, which indicates they are close to perfect. This step is key for keeping their texture intact in the soup. Be careful not to burn them, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Leeks: In the same skillet, add another 2 tbsp of butter and toss in the sliced leeks. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The sweetness starts to emerge from the leeks and fills your kitchen with a warm scent. Stir occasionally and watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Add Broth and Ham: Pour in the chicken broth and add your chopped leftover ham. You will hear a satisfying sizzle as everything combines. Ensure everything is well mixed to distribute the flavors evenly, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in Vegetables: Now, add your chopped carrot and potato into the pot. Cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes. This will allow a burst of color and inviting aroma. Keep an eye on them, avoiding overcooking for a little crunch.
- Mix Gnocchi into Soup: Carefully add the crispy gnocchi back into the pot. Let them sit for only a few minutes to mingle into the soup; too long, and they may lose their crispiness.
- Season & Serve: Finally, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot, and notice how the flavors come together beautifully. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy gnocchi separate to maintain its texture. The creamy base may not freeze well, so freeze before adding cream.
- Expert Tips: If the gnocchi turns soft, toasting them in a pan with butter until crispy will help retain their texture. When soup seems too thick, add a bit more broth or water until your desired consistency is reached. If the soup lacks flavor, adjust seasoning with salt or fresh herbs for a brighter taste. For extra nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or peas while it simmers. When using leftover ham, toss it in earlier for deeper flavor infusion as the soup cooks.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Be mindful not to boil, as this may affect the creaminess.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or rolls. Pair with a simple green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or dill for added flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Add spinach for extra nutrition and color. Swap potatoes for cauliflower for a lighter base. Use a different protein such as shredded turkey or cooked bacon.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose a fresh, firm leek for the best flavor. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with ditalini or orzo. Quality herbs will add depth to the soup; consider fresh rather than dried for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If the gnocchi turns out too soft, toasting them in a pan with butter until crispy will help retain their texture.
- When your soup seems too thick, just add a bit more broth or water, stirring until you reach your preferred consistency.
- If the soup lacks flavor, try adjusting with a pinch of salt or fresh herbs to brighten up the taste.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or peas to the soup while it simmers.
- When using leftover ham, feel free to toss it in earlier for a deeper flavor infusion as the soup cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm rolls. Pair it with a simple green salad for added freshness.
You can also use this soup as a base for other dishes or make a hearty pasta to accompany it. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or stuffed peppers to complement the meal.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for extra flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the soup’s overall taste.
Recipe variations
- You can use cauliflower instead of potato for a lighter twist in your soup.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Either shredded turkey or diced rotisserie chicken can serve as an excellent alternative protein.
- If cooking for a larger group, double the ingredients, using 28 oz of gnocchi and 3-4 cups of chopped ham.
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How to Store?
To keep your crispy gnocchi ham & leek soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the gnocchi separate for texture.
Freezing before cream: Freeze the soup before adding cream in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove and then stir in the cream.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Lemony Chicken and Corn Orzo Salad
- Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Crispy Gnocchi Ham & Leek Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
