Ham And Barley Soup
Ham and barley soup is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender ham, earthy vegetables, and nutty barley in a comforting broth. Perfect for chilly days or family dinners, it offers a nourishing, savory experience with rich smoky notes from the ham bone and fresh vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 large celery ribs ⓘ
- 4 large carrots ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 1 lb. turnips ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. mushrooms ⓘ
- salad oil ⓘ
- 1 ham bone with 2 c. meat left on ⓘ
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 c. barley ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 beef flavored bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 to 16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- About 2 1/2 hours before serving, cut celery into 1/4-inch slices.
- Cut carrots into 1 1/2 x 1/2-inch pieces.
- Dice onions.
- Peel and cut turnips into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Thickly slice mushrooms.
- In a large pot, heat salad oil and sauté the prepared vegetables until slightly tender.
- Add ham bone or ham hocks, barley, thyme, salt, pepper, and bouillon cube to the pot.
- Pour in enough water to cover ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, skimming foam as needed.
- Add stewed tomatoes and frozen green beans; continue to simmer until vegetables and barley are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Remove the ham bone or hocks, cut off the meat, and return the meat to the soup.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using leftover roasted vegetables in place of fresh ones. If you're short on time, quick-cooking barley can substitute for traditional barley, though it may alter the texture slightly. A splash of white wine can enhance the soup's richness, making it a delightful pairing with Grilled Salmon Steaks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Ham And Barley Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a heartier option, consider serving with Beef And Cheese Foldover(One Dish Meals) to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months, allowing it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Barley Soup contains roughly 371 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% 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 a different type of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken. Using a turkey leg or smoked turkey hocks will add a similar depth of flavor. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and mushrooms for umami, omitting the meat entirely.
How can I adjust the soup for dietary restrictions?
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free barley or substitute with quinoa. For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium broth and reduce the added salt. Always check labels on canned products, like stewed tomatoes, to ensure they meet dietary needs.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process for additional depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the flavor just before serving. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add a lovely tang that complements the savory ham.
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).