Ham and cabbage soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy winter meal. This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham and can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
To make this hearty soup, you will need:
- 1 pound of cooked ham, diced
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the diced ham and cook for a few minutes until it is slightly browned.
In the same pot, add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, bay leaf, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. This satisfying ham and cabbage soup is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- Ham: Use about 2 cups of cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover ham from a previous meal or purchase pre-cooked ham from the grocery store.
- Cabbage: 1 small head of cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced.
- Carrots: 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced.
- Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced.
- Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Chicken broth: You will need about 6 cups of chicken broth or stock to provide the base for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- Potatoes: 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced.
- Seasonings: To add flavor to the soup, you will need salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried bay leaves.
- Olive oil: Use a few tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting ham and cabbage soup that is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Instructions
To make the easy ham and cabbage soup, follow these simple steps:
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced ham to the pot and cook until it starts to brown.
- Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Then, add the sliced carrots, shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, and bay leaves to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure all the ingredients are covered.
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and taste it to adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the ham and cabbage soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a comforting dinner or a warming lunch. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage
Serving:
The soup is best served hot and can be enjoyed as a main course or a comforting side dish. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a more filling meal. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese to add extra flavor. This soup makes a great option for a family dinner, potluck, or even packed lunches.
Storage:
If you have any leftovers, store them properly to maintain the soup’s freshness and flavor. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to thin it out as the cabbage can absorb some of the liquid. It’s also important to note that the flavors tend to develop and meld together even more after a day or two, making the leftovers even tastier.
To freeze the soup for longer-term storage, portion it into individual airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to label each container with the date and contents. Frozen ham and cabbage soup can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variation 1: Vegetarian version
If you don’t eat meat, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it more hearty.
Variation 2: Spicy version
If you like your soup with a bit of heat, you can add some spices to give it a spicy twist. Try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or paprika, or even some diced jalapenos or hot sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preference, and don’t forget to taste as you go!
Variation 3: Creamy version
If you prefer a creamy soup, you can add some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process. This will give the soup a rich and creamy texture. You can also blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to create a thicker consistency.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The great thing about soups is that they are very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
