Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup! This comforting American classic is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something nourishing. With its delightful blend of tender vegetables and savory ham, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just one hour, you'll love how easy it is to whip up a batch that serves six—ideal for sharing or enjoying leftovers. Dive into this recipe and discover why this soup is the ultimate comfort food!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chopped cabbage
- 2 cups diced ham
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate diced carrots and celery into the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add chopped cabbage to the pot and stir, allowing it to start wilting and releasing moisture.
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced ham to the vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle dried thyme into the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check that vegetables are tender and ham is heated through before removing from heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and ham in advance to save time during cooking. You can store them in the fridge until you're ready to make the soup.
- Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. The more flavor, the better!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Broth Matters: For a richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought option.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your palate.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add a nice touch!
- Storage Tips: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 116kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
