There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Ham Soup to brighten up a chilly day. This recipe is not only soothing but also a clever way to use up leftover ham. The savory smells will fill your kitchen as it simmers on the stove.
This soup solves leftovers problem by using ham and veggies, saves time on weeknights, provides warm nourishment, and clears fridge clutter with a quick recipe.
I often find myself staring at leftover ham and wondering what to do with it. I hate wasting food, so finding delicious ways to repurpose it is really important to me. This soup is a simple solution that fits the bill, plus it packs in plenty of veggies!
This recipe is quick, too. It only takes about 10 minutes to whip everything together and then you just let it cook for 45 minutes. You can even customize it with whatever beans or extra vegetables you have on hand. It’s a hearty meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.
If you want something fun and different for dessert after this soup, you should definitely check out my Chicken Orzo Salad. It’s a great way to round out your meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor : The combination of ham and white wine creates a hearty, savory taste that’s comforting on chilly days. You’ll love how the flavors meld together.
- Convenience : With quick prep thanks to canned beans and minimal chopping, you’ll have this soup on the table in no time. Ideal for busy weeknights.
- Texture : The blend of tender ham, creamy beans, and fresh spinach gives a satisfying bite in every spoonful. It’s all about that cozy, hearty feel.
- Storage Friendly : This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy a warm bowl whenever you need a quick, hearty meal.
Cozy Ham Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting soup packed with ham and spinach, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups ham, diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, for deglazing (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3/4 cup carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 11/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 11/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz. pinto beans, drained
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 11/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 11/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 11/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 11/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/41/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/41/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Start with Ham: Begin by chopping the ham into small pieces. You will want to see little chunks of meat, which will crisp up beautifully. They should smell savory as they cook. Ensure not to cut them too large to achieve that nice golden color.
- Cook the Ham: Sizzle the diced ham in the large pot over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Pay attention to the sound of it crisping and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to walk away as it can get overly crunchy if left too long.
- Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir. The spinach will wilt quickly, turning a vibrant green, adding not only color but also nutrients to the soup. Avoid overcooking to maintain its lovely texture.
- Pour in the Broth: Add your choice of broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer. The mixture will start to smell wonderful, and the broth will turn a rich color. Taste to check the saltiness; adjust with water or low-sodium options if necessary.
- Stir in the Beans: Add the drained canned beans to the mix, giving everything a good stir. You will notice the broth thickening slightly as the beans heat up. Be careful not to overheat; they only need a little warmth to be ready.
- Serve Warm & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. The steam should rise with a hearty smell. Enjoy every bite slowly to appreciate the cozy flavors.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This soup freezes very well.
- Expert Tips: If the soup tastes overly salty, consider using low sodium broth and rinsing your beans to help moderate the flavor. When beans turn mushy, avoid prolonged cooking; canned varieties only need brief heating. If your ham is not crisping, use smaller cubes and cook them in hot oil for better browning. For additional flavor, deglazing the pot with wine (or broth if preferred) after cooking can enhance the soup’s taste. If you desire a different twist, substitute various canned beans to keep the dish exciting.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, ensuring it does not boil.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or rolls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute spinach with kale for different flavors. Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup. Use different types of beans for varied texture.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose firm, fresh spinach, and use dried beans if you prefer, making sure to soak them beforehand according to ham and bean soup directions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 314
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup tastes overly salty, consider using low sodium broth and rinsing your beans to help moderate the flavor.
- When beans turn mushy, it’s best to avoid prolonged cooking; canned varieties only need a brief heating to warm up.
- If your ham isn’t crisping, using smaller cubes and cooking them in hot oil can achieve the desired texture.
- For greater flavor, deglazing the pot with wine (or broth if preferred) after cooking can really enhance the soup’s taste.
- If you want a different twist, feel free to swap in various canned beans to keep things exciting and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this ham soup with crusty bread or rolls for added heartiness. A green salad makes a complete meal alongside this comforting dish.
You can also use this soup as a filling for a savory stew or as a base for a hearty casserole. Consider serving it in bread bowls for an appealing presentation.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory flavors. A drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs can also brighten the soup.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey or a plant-based alternative in place of ham for a lighter option.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra punch of flavor.
- Either use chickpeas or black beans as an alternative to pinto beans for varied texture.
- If you’re preparing a larger batch, increase the ham to 3 ¾ cups and the chicken broth to 8 cups.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your ham soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store ham soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use within this time frame.
Freezing: Place ham soup in a freezer bag and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat thawed ham soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad 2
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Ham 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!
