She Strengthens

Transform Leftover Ham into a Hearty, Satisfying Meal

Are you looking for a delicious way to repurpose leftover ham and a ham bone? Look no further! This classic soup recipe is a game-changer.

Start with a Savory Broth

Begin by simmering a ham bone or ham hocks with water to create a rich, flavorful broth. This step is essential in building the foundation of your soup.

Add Aromatics and White Beans

Next, add carrots, celery, onion, and white beans to the pot. Let them cook until they’re tender, then mash some of the beans to thicken the soup. This will create a creamy, comforting consistency.

Introduce the Star of the Show: Diced Ham

Stir in diced, fully cooked smoked ham to add protein and texture to the soup. You can serve this hearty meal with crusty bread for a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound dried cannellini beans
• 3 1/2 quarts water, plus more for soaking the beans
• 1 meaty smoked ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1 1/2 cups medium-dice, fully cooked smoked ham (about 8 ounces)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Soak the cannellini beans in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set them aside.

In a large pot, combine the measured water and ham bone or hocks. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Add the soaked beans, thyme, and diced vegetables to the pot. Return to a simmer and cook until the beans are almost tender, about 1 hour.

Remove the ham bone or hocks and let them cool. Remove the meat from the bones and set it aside.

Mash half of the beans and vegetables to thicken the soup. Stir in the diced ham and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy Your Delicious Soup!

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings and takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to prepare, plus 8 hours of bean soaking time. It’s a perfect way to transform leftover ham into a nutritious, filling meal.