Chinese Ham Soup
A comforting Chinese ham soup featuring tender ham, fresh cabbage, and savory broth, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings with mild, flavorful notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 6 cups of cold water and ham in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to flavor the broth.
- Add the Chinese cabbage to the soup and cook until tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in salt to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding ginger or garlic while simmering the ham. If you don't have Chinese cabbage, you can substitute it with napa cabbage or even regular green cabbage. Adjust the salt based on your taste preference and the saltiness of the ham. This soup can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Ham Soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with homemade eggrolls or a side of steamed rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside other pork recipes or a light salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens. This soup can also be frozen for up to a month; however, the texture of the cabbage may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Ham Soup contains roughly 118 calories, with 9g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% 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 leftover ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham works wonderfully in this soup, adding depth to the broth. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed. The longer it simmers, the more flavor it imparts to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. If preparing in advance, consider adding the cabbage just before serving to maintain its texture.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
To make the soup heartier, you can add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even tofu. Incorporating some noodles, such as chow mein soft noodles, can also enhance the dish and make it more filling, turning it into a complete meal.
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).