Easter Ham Bone Soup: A Comforting Way to Repurpose Leftovers

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Transform your Easter leftovers into a satisfying, wholesome soup your whole family will enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 55 mins
Additional Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 10 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 10

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Reduces Waste: A perfect way to repurpose your leftover ham bone.
  • Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with hearty vegetables and rich, savory broth.
  • Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make this a hassle-free dish.

Ingredients for Easter Ham Bone Soup

Soup Base:

  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 ham bone (with some meat still attached)

Vegetables:

  • 5 medium potatoes, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 2 large celery stalks, chopped
  • 5 green onions, chopped (adjust to taste)

Thickener and Creaminess:

  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup light whipping cream

Step-by-Step Instruction

Step 1 – Prepare the Broth

  1. Combine 3 quarts of water and the ham bone in a large stockpot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
  3. Remove the ham bone and let it cool enough to handle.
  4. Strip off any remaining meat and set it aside in a resealable bag.

Step 2 – Skim and Refrigerate

  1. Pour the broth into a large bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Skim off and discard any fat from the surface of the chilled broth.

Step 3 – Cook the Vegetables

  1. Transfer the skimmed broth back to a large pot and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the cubed potatoes, chopped cabbage, celery, and reserved ham meat.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4 – Thicken the Soup

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup water and the flour until smooth.
  2. Gradually stir the mixture into the soup, whisking to avoid lumps.

Step 5 – Add Cream and Serve

  1. Stir in the light whipping cream until fully incorporated.
  2. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty soup.

Pro Tips for the Best Easter Ham Bone Sou

  • Flavor Boost: Add bay leaves or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.
  • Add More Veggies: Include carrots, parsnips, or leeks for variety and extra nutrition.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 111
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 3g

Health Benefits of Easter Ham Bone Soup

Hearty and Filling:

Packed with vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.

Gut-Friendly:

Cabbage contains fiber and nutrients that support digestive health.

Light on Calories:

Despite its richness, this soup is low in calories and makes a healthy meal option.

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