Country Ham Bone Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring tender ham, mixed vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family meals and showcasing smoky, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 baked country ham bone ⓘ
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can black-eyed peas (undrained)
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked elbow macaroni
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Break the baked country ham bone into 2 or 3 pieces.
- Place the ham bone pieces in a large soup kettle.
- Add 3 quarts of water and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bones from the soup and extract the meat from the bones.
- Chop the meat and return it to the broth.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped onion to the soup and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the frozen whole kernel corn, frozen lima beans, drained black-eyed peas, and drained tomatoes.
- Simmer the soup for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir in cooked elbow macaroni and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering the soup. If you don't have a country ham bone, a smoked ham hock can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the ham bone with a vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for depth. This soup can also benefit from a splash of vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or simpler dishes like Tuna Bacon Macaroni Bowl. For added richness, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to loosen it before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Ham Bone Soup contains roughly 926 calories, with 32g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (299% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2390mg per serving (104% 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 instead of a ham bone?
Absolutely! If you have leftover ham, you can use it instead of the ham bone. Simply add the chopped ham towards the end of cooking to warm it through. This will give the soup a great flavor without needing to simmer as long.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while the soup is simmering. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage in place of the ham bone for a different flavor profile.
What can I substitute for the macaroni?
If you're looking for a pasta alternative, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo. For a low-carb version, try adding cauliflower rice or diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
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).