Let me introduce you to one of those soul-soothing dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl: the Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe. This soup brings together savory ham, tender vegetables, and luscious cream to create a cozy meal that’s perfect any time you crave comfort food. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and warmth, promising to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients makes this soup easy to assemble, yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and enriching the texture. From the aromatic onion and garlic that lay the foundation, to the creamy finish that perfectly balances the savory ham and fresh vegetables, every element has a purpose.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A flavorful, heart-healthy fat to sauté vegetables and bring out their sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild, slightly sweet base to the soup’s savory profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that brightens every spoonful.
- 3 cups ham, diced: The star player providing rich, smoky flavor and hearty protein.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the soup.
- 2 cups water: Lightens the broth so the flavors meld perfectly without being overpowering.
- 2 large carrots, sliced: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Brings crunchy freshness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed: Creates a satisfying, tender texture that fills you up.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses subtle herbal notes for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to awaken the taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors in the pot.
- 1 bay leaf: Provides aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with rich creaminess and silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Toss in your chopped onion and cook it slowly until it’s soft and translucent. This process unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, creating a comforting, flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ham
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, being careful not to let it brown. Then add the diced ham. Let it cook with the onions and garlic for a good five minutes until the ham starts to brown just a bit. This browning adds delicious depth and smokiness to the soup that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring everything together. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes. These vegetables not only make the soup hearty but bring a lovely mix of textures and natural sweetness that complement the savory ham perfectly.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt, then gently drop in the bay leaf. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let all those wonderful flavors meld for 25 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the aroma makes your kitchen feel like home.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parsley
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the heavy cream. This step transforms the soup into a luscious, creamy delight without overshadowing the fresh vegetable and ham flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and finish by sprinkling in chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Serve Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few autumn leaves of thyme works wonders to brighten the finished dish visually and flavor-wise. You might also consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to add that little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of creamy goodness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add balance and freshness, turning this into a satisfying complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve the soup in individual stoneware bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top. Fancy it up by topping with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp grated cheese for extra indulgence. It’s a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup without the cream, which can separate after thawing. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully and stir in fresh cream just before serving to maintain that luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. The warmth will revive all those rich, comforting flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for the Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect here and can add wonderful flavor and texture. Just dice it up and add as directed in the recipe.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream in this soup?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of flour to thicken, but keep in mind the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
The ham and chicken broth are key to the signature flavor, so for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky richness.
How long does the soup take to cook?
The active prep time is about 15 minutes, and then you’ll need around 30 minutes to simmer the vegetables until tender—the perfect timing for a weekday dinner.
What vegetables can I add or substitute in this soup?
Feel free to get creative! Green beans, peas, or corn can be great additions. Just adjust cooking times so all veggies become tender but still retain their bite.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe has all the elements of a perfect comfort meal: nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish with friends and family—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a special tradition every time it graces your table.
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Hearty Ham Soup with Cream and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ham Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. It features tender diced ham combined with a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes simmered in a savory chicken broth, finished with a touch of creamy heavy cream and fresh parsley for a rich, warming meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Cook ham: Add the diced ham to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic.
- Brown ham: Let the ham cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine everything.
- Add vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot.
- Season soup: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Add bay leaf: Drop the bay leaf into the pot and stir gently.
- Bring to boil: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
- Simmer soup: Cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf: Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
- Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream until the soup becomes creamy and well-mixed.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
- Add parsley: Sprinkle the chopped parsley into the soup and stir it in just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, with some crusty bread on the side if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn according to preference.
- Leftover ham can be frozen and used later for this recipe or others.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually to suit your taste preferences.
