Ham Bone Vegetable Soup 1967
Description: This delightful recipe hails from Dutch and German roots, boasting a rich tradition that spans decades. Perfect for utilizing leftover ham meat, this hearty soup combines a medley of fresh vegetables with the savory essence of ham bone, resulting in a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Recipe Category: Ham
Keywords: Pork, Meat, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 196
- Fat Content: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.2mg
- Sodium Content: 458.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.7g
- Fiber Content: 3.7g
- Sugar Content: 8.4g
- Protein Content: 8.8g
Servings: 12 generous bowls
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Canola oil |
| 3 | Onions |
| 1 | Red bell pepper |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Ham bone |
| 8 | Black peppercorns |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 3 | Potatoes |
| 4 | Cabbage |
| 3 | Tomatoes with juice |
| 1 | Fresh marjoram |
| 1 | Oregano |
| 1 | Fresh thyme |
| 1/2 | Fresh Italian parsley |
| 1 | Sugar |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by heating the canola oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. As the oil warms, finely chop the onions, carrot, and red bell pepper, preparing them for the sautéing process.
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Sautéing Vegetables: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrot, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and begin to develop a golden hue, releasing their aromatic flavors into the air.
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Adding Ham Bone: Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the ham bone. Place the ham bone into the pot along with the black peppercorns and bay leaves, infusing the broth with the essence of smoky ham goodness.
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Simmering: Pour in the stock or water, ensuring that the ham bone is fully submerged. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together into a harmonious symphony of taste.
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Skimming Off Foam: Throughout the simmering process, periodically skim off any foam that rises to the surface of the soup, ensuring a clear and pristine broth that’s free from impurities.
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Adding Vegetables: After the initial hour of simmering, it’s time to bulk up the soup with hearty vegetables. Add the potatoes and cabbage to the pot, allowing them to mingle with the savory broth. Partially cover the pot and continue to cook on a gentle simmer for another hour, allowing the vegetables to soften and soak up the delicious flavors.
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Infusing with Herbs: As the soup nears completion, it’s time to infuse it with a burst of fresh herbs. Add the chopped fresh marjoram, oregano, and thyme to the pot, along with the tomatoes and sugar, enhancing the complexity of flavors with their aromatic essence. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the herbs to impart their distinct character into the broth.
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Finishing Touch: Just before serving, sprinkle in the freshly chopped Italian parsley, adding a pop of vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor to the finished dish. Serve the soup piping hot in generous bowls, allowing each spoonful to warm both body and soul with its nourishing goodness.
This timeless recipe for Ham Bone Vegetable Soup embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort, inviting you to savor each spoonful and relish in the heartwarming flavors of tradition and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on a chilly winter evening or as a comforting remedy for the soul, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
