If you’re looking for something warm and cozy, Ham & Collard Greens Soup is exactly what you need! This hearty dish is not just delicious but also a great way to use up leftover holiday ham. The smoky flavor brings a comforting touch that makes you want to curl up with a bowl on a chilly day.
Helps use up leftover ham, reduces kitchen waste, provides nourishing meal, fits gluten free needs, and delivers comforting greens in a hearty pot soup.
I’ve found that sometimes I end up with leftover ham after holidays, and I’m left scratching my head about what to do with it. This recipe solves that problem while giving me a filling meal in just about half an hour. Trust me, it’ll warm you right up!
This soup is super quick to whip up, only about 30 minutes from start to finish. You just chop, toss everything in the pot, and let it simmer while your kitchen fills with delicious smells. Plus, collard greens are packed with nutrients, making this meal not only tasty but healthy too.
If you love cozy soups and want to try whipping up a sweet side, why not check out my Lemon Orzo Salad with Veggies and Chicken? It’s a great option to add to your meal plan!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Smoky Flavor : This soup offers a comforting smoky vibe without being too heavy. It really warms you up on cold days.
- Nutrient-Rich : Packed with collard greens and beans, you’re not just getting flavor; you’re also loading up on great nutrients.
- Quick Convenience : With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy dish that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.
- Flexible Storage : Leftovers are a breeze to store. You can keep them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later.
Hearty Collard Green Soup with Ham
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten-free
Description
A hearty Collard Green Soup made with ham and beans, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning
- 2 to 3 cups chopped, smoked ham, preferably not deli-style
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 64 ounces chicken broth, divided into two containers
- 32 ounces frozen chopped collard greens
- 30 ounces navy beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans)
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (2 cans)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Ham & Cook Onions: Start by browning the ham in a large stock pot over medium heat until it is golden and fragrant. This lovely aroma will fill your kitchen, letting you know it is time to add the next ingredients. Be careful not to let it burn; that can ruin the flavor!
- Add Collard Greens & Simmer: Toss in the chopped collard greens, stirring gently to mix everything. You will see the greens become vibrant and wilted as they heat up. They need some time to soften, so do not rush this step or they might end up too tough.
- Stir In Beans & Broth: Pour in the navy beans and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. The combination will start to bubble, creating an inviting smell in your kitchen. Do not add the beans too early, or they might get mushy and lose their texture.
- Season & Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Take a moment to do a quick taste test; you want it to be full of flavor. If it is lacking, a little more broth can really boost it up.
- Cook Until Thickened: Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. You will notice the greens and beans meld together beautifully. Make sure to keep an eye on it, so it does not stick to the bottom!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: Choose pre-packaged chopped ham for convenience to save time while still adding great flavor to your soup.
- If collards are too tough after cooking, simmer them for an extra 10 minutes to help soften nicely.
- When the soup tastes a bit bland, gradually add salt or a splash of extra broth until it hits the right flavor note.
- If you notice your beans breaking apart, consider adding them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to keep them intact.
- For a quick prep, using frozen collard greens instead of fresh can be a good option as they offer a similar taste and texture without extra prep.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve with a slice of cornbread; top with freshly chopped parsley or pair with a tangy side salad for a wholesome meal.
- Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for variety.
- Use different beans such as cannellini beans or black-eyed peas if desired.
- Choose fresh collard greens for the best flavor, but frozen works well for convenience.
- If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Select high-quality chicken broth for the best base flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1525mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 17g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/ham-collard-greens-soup
Recipe Tips
- If collards are too tough after cooking, try simmering them for an extra 10 minutes. This helps soften them nicely.
- When the soup tastes a bit bland, gradually add salt or a splash of extra broth until it hits the right flavor note.
- If you notice your beans breaking apart, consider adding them during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This keeps them intact.
- For a quick prep, using pre-packaged chopped ham can save you time while still adding great flavor to your soup.
- When in a rush, feel free to use frozen collard greens instead of fresh. They offer a similar taste and texture without extra prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham and collard greens soup alongside a slice of cornbread or pair it with a tangy side salad. Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
This soup can be enjoyed on its own or used to create other hearty meals such as grain bowls or casseroles. Consider incorporating it into a family-friendly dinner by serving it with roasted vegetables or baked potatoes.
Add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of vinegar to enhance the flavors of the soup just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can provide a creamy finish and complement the warmth of the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey or bacon instead of smoked ham for a different flavor in your collard green soup.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick of heat and flavor.
- Either diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be used to add a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
- If you’re planning to serve a larger group, you can double the recipe, using 6 cups of chopped ham and 4 containers of chicken broth.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & collard greens soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge at 40°F or lower for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze soup in a freezer bag or airtight container at 0°F or lower for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Reheat soup on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Ham & Collard Greens 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!
