Description
A hearty soup made with ham, cabbage, and various vegetables, perfect for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups homemade ham stock (or vegetable broth or water)
- 1/2 head cabbage, roughly 4 cups cabbage
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, chopped
- 2 cups ham, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start with the Broth: Pour in some water to a pot and toss in the ham bone. Bring this to a gentle boil and let it simmer until it is fragrant and flavorful. Be careful not to let it boil too hard to avoid a messy spill.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in chopped onions, carrots, potatoes, and garlic, letting them cook until they get a little tender. You should start to see them soften and smell all the delicious aromatics. Make sure the veggies are not overcooked for the best texture.
- Mix in the Cabbage: Throw in your bite-sized pieces of cabbage and let them wilt down. In just a few minutes, they will lighten in color and become tender. Make sure not to let the cabbage sit too long; you want it tender but still a bit crunchy.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in some herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and pepper. Stir everything so the flavors mingle nicely. Taste before adding salt since the ham can be salty enough on its own.
- Simmer Away: Let the soup simmer on low for about an hour. The broth will deepen in color and richness as it cooks. A slow simmer really develops the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: After cooking, pull out the ham bone and shred any remaining meat back into the pot. Ladle it up into bowls and feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for another day.
- Expert Tips: If the soup ends up too salty, add a splash of water and extra vegetables to balance the flavors. For tender vegetables, you may let them cook for a bit longer or add more stock. Fresh herbs or extra spices can enhance the flavor profile if the broth seems bland. For better texture, cut the cabbage into smaller pieces. Adding leftover ham scraps boosts the soup’s taste and reduces waste.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or baguette, pair with a fresh green salad, or add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified