Ham Soup

Ham Soup

from thecozycook.com
55 min
10 servings

This Ham Soup recipe is easy to make on the stove top or the crock pot with canned beans, vegetables, leftover ham, and seasonings in a savory broth.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups ham (diced)
  • ½ cup white dry white wine (see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • ¾ cup carrots (diced)
  • 2 celery ribs (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 32 oz. pinto beans ((Two 16 oz. cans) Drained but not rinsed.)
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon EACH: ground sage, pepper
  • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the ham and cook until golden and crisp, 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside and dice once cooled (if not already diced), I crisp whole slices of ham and dice it after.

  2. 2

    Turn the heat off and add the wine. Set the heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the pot. Let it bubble gently and reduce by half, about 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Add the onions, carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir to combine and soften for 5-6 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the drained pinto beans, then the chicken broth and heavy cream, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  5. 5

    Add the ham back. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. (Run a silicone spatula along the bottom every 10 minutes or so, to lift any ingredients settling to the bottom.)

  6. 6

    Add the spinach and let it wilt, about 3 minutes.

  7. 7

    Taste, and adjust any seasonings as needed. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.