Ham 'N Broccoli Soup
A hearty, creamy ham and broccoli soup packed with flavors of mustard and thyme, perfect for a comforting family meal or quick lunch.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons diet margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain flour ⓘ
- 2 packages low-sodium chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh broccoli flowerets or frozen cut broccoli ⓘ
- 4 ounces Healthy Choice lean ham, chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the chopped onion in diet margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour, chicken bouillon, dry mustard, thyme, and black pepper.
- Add milk and water all at once, stirring to combine.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the chopped ham and broccoli into the soup.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of cream. If you’re out of low-sodium chicken bouillon, homemade broth can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try adding parsley or dill. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and for extra heartiness, serve with crusty bread or alongside a light salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, like Artichoke Chicken And Rice Salad, for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Potato (Hash Brown) Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham 'N Broccoli Soup contains roughly 2837 calories, with 19g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 225g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2449mg per serving (106% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just ensure it's thawed and drained before adding to the soup to avoid excess water. It will cook quickly, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham entirely or substitute it with diced tofu or chickpeas for added protein. Alternatively, use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
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).