Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a hearty bowl of Ham Bone Vegetable Soup, a cozy American classic that’s perfect for chilly days! This easy-to-make crock pot recipe transforms leftover ham into a savory delight, packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors that simmer together for hours. Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of this comforting soup, ready to nourish you and your loved ones. Whether you're looking to warm up after a long day or impress your dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into our guide and discover how to create this delicious dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple!
Ingredients
- 1 ham bone
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, carrots, and potatoes, and chop the green beans into 1-inch segments.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- Place the ham bone in the center of the crock pot, positioning it to allow other ingredients to surround it.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and minced garlic around the ham bone.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring the ham bone and vegetables are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle dried oregano over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the ham bone and shred any remaining meat, returning the meat to the soup.
- Stir the soup to distribute the shredded meat and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or additional black pepper.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss everything into the crock pot in the morning!
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the broth. Opt for a high-quality vegetable broth or homemade stock for the best results.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables! Corn, peas, or even kale can add a delightful twist to this classic recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Oregano: This herb is key to enhancing the flavor of the soup. If you have fresh oregano, use it for an even more aromatic experience!
- Shred the Ham Bone: After cooking, make sure to shred any remaining meat off the ham bone and stir it back into the soup for added texture and taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving! Depending on the saltiness of your ham and broth, you may want to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Garnish for Flair: For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
