Hearty Ham Makes Great Soup

Leftover ham bone.
Photo by Sandy Brambila

If you have a leftover ham, don't throw it out. Make some ham bone soup. Ham bones are usually quite meaty and can stretch your budget by adding a few inexpensive ingredients. The basic recipe is listed on allrecipes. The recipe calls for four cups of water and six cubes of chicken bouillon. This makes the soup a bit salty. Four cups of low-sodium chicken broth fixes this and also adds more depth to the stew.

Chop potatoes, onion and bell pepper.
Photo by Sandy Brambila

Chop up all the veggies. That’s the hard part.

Place the ham bone in the crockpot surrounded by the vegetables. Pour liquid ingredients on top and add two bay leaves and some thyme. Cover crockpot and set it on high until liquid starts to boil. Then switch it to low and let it simmer for six hours. If you don't have a crockpot, use a 12-quart stock pot. Bring soup to a boil, then simmer for four hours. You will need to stir the soup occasionally. 

Mix all ingredients in the crockpot and set on high.
Photo by Sandy Brambila

If you put this together before you head out the door in the morning, you can come home to a hearty bowl of soup. Now that’s something to look forward to. Serve this with some rosemary bread and you’ll be all set.

Photo from Allrecipes.com

This recipe will feed four to six people. Leftovers will freeze well.
If you're on a tight budget, Honey Baked Ham sells ham bones with plenty of meat on them for $6.00.