Broccoli And Ham Soup
A hearty and comforting soup combining tender broccoli, savory ham, and pasta in a flavorful broth, perfect for a quick family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans condensed chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli or 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook ham, onion, and garlic in butter until the onion is tender.
- Stir in condensed chicken broth, chopped broccoli, water, undrained tomatoes, uncooked macaroni, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until broccoli and macaroni are tender.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve individual portions sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. If you don't have ham on hand, cooked chicken or turkey can be excellent substitutes. Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen works just as well. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor. If desired, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette dressed salad or even a slice of your favorite pie for dessert. For an extra touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling it to maintain the best texture. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Ham Soup contains roughly 390 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, for a creamier finish, try adding shredded cheddar or gouda just before serving, allowing it to melt into the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or using a variety of beans for protein. This way, you maintain a hearty texture without sacrificing taste.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or lentils, which are great sources of protein and fiber. You could also increase the amount of elbow macaroni or add other grains like barley. For an even heartier dish, serve it over a bed of rice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).