Ma Thompson'S Ham And Vegetable Soup
Hearty ham and vegetable soup featuring tender ham, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals on chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the ham until tender in enough water to cover.
- Remove the ham from the broth.
- Add tomatoes, tomato juice, lima beans, chopped okra, whole grain corn, chopped green cabbage, and sugar to the broth.
- Cook the vegetables until tender, being careful not to overcook.
- Add the ham back to the soup if desired.
- Serve hot, optionally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf while simmering the vegetables. If you don’t have lima beans, any other white bean can work as a substitute. Fresh or frozen vegetables can also replace canned ones, ensuring a vibrant taste. To thicken the soup, blend a portion and stir it back in, similar to techniques used in the Deluxe Three Bean Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or the Overnight Potato Salad for a refreshing contrast. This soup is a great way to use leftover ham, making it a staple in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Thompson'S Ham And Vegetable Soup contains roughly 274 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% 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, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or chickpeas for a meatless version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially if using raw meats.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To scale the recipe, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired. Ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume, and allow for a longer cooking time for the added ingredients.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread or a side of cornbread for dipping. A light salad or the Sandwich Loaf can also complement the meal, adding a refreshing element to balance the richness of the soup.
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).