Tomato Rice Soup With Ham
A hearty tomato rice soup with ham and bacon, packed with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 sliced bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup diced ham ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen sweet corn, thawed ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup Minute original rice, uncooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large saucepan on medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add onion and ham; cook and stir until onion is tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, corn, water, tomato sauce, bouillon cube, thyme, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in rice; cover and cook until rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked ham instead of regular. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can enhance the taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, as canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tomato Rice Soup with Ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Lazarus Baked Chicken for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the rice may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Rice Soup With Ham contains roughly 774 calories, with 20g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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 brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so add it earlier in the simmering process and increase the water accordingly.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want to skip bacon, you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option or just omit it entirely. Adding a splash of liquid smoke can replicate some of that smoky flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them when you cook the onion and ham to ensure they soften appropriately.
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).