Ham Soup
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 Drained but not rinsed.)
(Two 16 oz. cans
- 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
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
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
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
Add the drained pinto beans, then the chicken broth and heavy cream, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- 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
Add the spinach and let it wilt, about 3 minutes.
- 7
Taste, and adjust any seasonings as needed. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Ham Soup
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About this Recipe
Transform your leftover ham into a hearty, comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Ham Soup is the perfect way to enjoy a savory, satisfying dish with minimal effort, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.
What makes this Ham Soup truly special is its incredible versatility—it comes together beautifully whether simmered on the stove or gently cooked in a crock pot. The thoughtful combination of savory diced ham, robust seasonings, and a medley of fresh vegetables creates a deeply flavorful broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, thanks to smart ingredient choices like canned pinto beans that simplify the process.
Prepare for a bowl of pure comfort. Each spoonful of this Ham Soup offers a rich, savory experience, with tender diced ham, creamy pinto beans, and perfectly cooked vegetables like sweet carrots and crisp celery. The broth is deeply seasoned with a blend of classic herbs such as oregano, basil, and a hint of earthy mustard powder and sage, creating a complex yet approachable flavor profile. With an optional swirl of heavy cream, the soup achieves an extra layer of velvety richness, beautifully complemented by fresh spinach stirred in at the end for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
Feeling adventurous? While diced ham is the star, you can easily adjust the subtle kick with more or less hot sauce to suit your preference. For an extra layer of indulgence, don't skip the optional heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese when serving. If you prefer not to use dry white wine, additional low sodium chicken broth can be used, though the wine adds a subtle acidity and depth to the broth.
This Ham Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or an easy meal to feed a crowd with its generous yield. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, making it a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion.