Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of hearty Cabbage and Ham Soup! This delightful American classic combines the savory richness of ham with the wholesome goodness of cabbage, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a delicious soup that not only nourishes but also tantalizes your taste buds. Ready to discover how to make this easy and satisfying recipe that will have your family asking for seconds? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables. Dice the ham into small, uniform cubes and chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced carrots and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the ham to release its flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the soup. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper if required.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the ham in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This will streamline your cooking process!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving!
- Meat Variations: If you don’t have ham on hand, feel free to substitute with leftover turkey or even cooked sausage for a different twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Get creative with your veggies! Adding potatoes, celery, or even a handful of greens like spinach can enhance the nutrition and flavor of your soup.
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it also freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy it later!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Cabbage and Ham Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
