Simple Ham & Vegetable Comfort Soup
This delightful Ham & Vegetable Comfort Soup is the perfect remedy for any chilly day or when you need a hearty dish to nourish your loved ones. Inspired by the classic French Mirepoix, this soup features a harmonious blend of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, enriched with savory cubed ham. It's easy to make and offers a wholesome touch, with tender Idaho potatoes adding extra heartiness. This recipe is adaptable — feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Perfect for warming both the body and soul, this soup is especially gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it a great choice for anyone in need of comforting food without cream or milk.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 (grated)
celery rib
1 (6-8 inch long) (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ham
3 cups (cubed)
Idaho potatoes
6 cups (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (about 6-8 potatoes depending on size))
low sodium chicken broth
3 (15 ounce) cans (or homemade broth)
dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
to taste (added after cooking the potatoes)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and finely chopped celery. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, and cubed ham. Continue to sauté until the onions turn golden brown, releasing their flavors.
4
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme and freshly ground pepper. Stir well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Once simmered, add the peeled and cubed Idaho potatoes to the pot. Cook uncovered until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7
Before serving, taste the soup and add salt as necessary, keeping in mind the saltiness of the broth. Add extra pepper if desired.
8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional pepper if you like.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Simple Ham & Vegetable Comfort Soup?
It is a hearty, wholesome dish featuring ham, Idaho potatoes, and a mirepoix base of onion, carrot, and celery, perfect for chilly days.
Is this soup dairy-free?
Yes, this soup is made without any cream or milk, making it a great choice for those avoiding dairy or seeking a lighter comfort food.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cubed ham.
What vegetables make up the mirepoix base in this soup?
The base features a harmonious blend of sautéed onions, grated carrots, and finely chopped celery.
What kind of potatoes are recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Idaho potatoes for their heartiness.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; you will need about 6 cups in total.
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Yes, you can use either three 15-ounce cans of low-sodium chicken broth or an equivalent amount of homemade broth.
Is this soup good for sensitive stomachs?
Yes, this soup is described as being gentle on sensitive stomachs and providing comfort without being heavy.
What herbs are used to season the soup?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and fresh ground pepper for seasoning.
How long should the soup simmer before adding potatoes?
The broth and ham mixture should simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before the potatoes are added.
How long do the potatoes take to cook?
The potatoes should cook uncovered in the soup for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
Should I add salt at the beginning of the cooking process?
No, it is recommended to add salt to taste after the potatoes are cooked, keeping in mind the saltiness of the broth and ham.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the preparation for the celery?
One 6-8 inch celery rib should be finely chopped before being added to the pot.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove.
Is the carrot chopped or grated?
The carrot should be grated for this recipe.
What type of pot is best for making this soup?
A large Dutch oven or a standard soup pot is recommended.
Do I need to cover the pot while the soup cooks?
No, the instructions specify cooking the soup uncovered during both the initial simmer and the potato-cooking phase.
Can I adjust the ingredients in this soup?
Yes, this recipe is adaptable and you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
How do I know when the onions are ready during the sauté phase?
The onions should be sautéed until they turn golden brown to ensure they release their full flavor.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional pepper before serving.
How many potatoes will I need for 6 cups of cubes?
Depending on their size, you will generally need about 6 to 8 Idaho potatoes.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare for any home cook.
How long do I sauté the onions and celery initially?
They should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup should be served hot for the best comfort experience.
What is the primary fat used for cooking?
Olive oil is the primary fat used to sauté the vegetables and ham.
Does this soup contain any artificial thickeners?
No, the soup relies on its ingredients like potatoes and ham for heartiness without the need for thickeners.
How much pepper is added to the broth?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper to be stirred into the broth.
Can I use regular salted chicken broth?
You can, but it is recommended to use low-sodium broth to better control the final salt level of the soup.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, as a hearty vegetable and ham soup, it is an excellent choice for a nourishing, prepared meal.