Ham And Kale Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with nutritious, flavorful ingredients. Ham and Kale Soup is one of those dishes that perfectly balances the richness of ham with the earthiness of kale, creating a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a filling meal without too much effort.

This recipe doesn’t just deliver on taste-it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re trying to get your daily dose of vegetables or just love the idea of a soup that fills you up, this Ham and Kale Soup is a winner. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down!

This recipe brings together tender ham, fresh kale, hearty potatoes, and a flavorful broth. It’s a complete meal in one bowl! Best of all, it’s super flexible. You can make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to match what you have on hand or to suit your tastes.

Ingredients Needed

To make this flavorful Ham and Kale Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ham – You’ll want around 2-3 cups of ham, cut into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover ham from a roast or holiday meal, this is the perfect use for it! If not, you can always use a ham steak or a ham bone with some meat left on it.
Kale – Fresh kale is best. You’ll need about 4 cups of chopped kale, removing the thick stems and tearing the leaves into smaller pieces. Kale holds up really well in soup and doesn’t get mushy like some other greens.
Potatoes – 2 large potatoes, diced. Yukon gold or russets work best because they break down just slightly to thicken the soup, adding a comforting creaminess.
Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. They add a nice sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the soup.
Onion – One medium onion, diced. This will add depth of flavor to the soup base.
Celery – 2 stalks of celery, diced. Celery gives a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and is a classic base ingredient in soups.
Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced. You can’t go wrong with garlic! It adds that savory umami flavor that’s irresistible.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth – About 6 cups of broth. You can use whatever you prefer, but chicken broth adds a little more richness to the soup. If you’re looking to keep things lighter, vegetable broth is also a great option.
Bay Leaves – 2 leaves for a subtle earthy aroma.
Thyme – 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme). This herb pairs beautifully with the ham and kale.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, as needed.
Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Ham and Kale Soup:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by prepping all your ingredients-chop the ham, kale, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
Add The Ham
- Stir in the ham, allowing it to cook for a couple of minutes until it’s lightly browned and heated through.
Add The Broth And Potatoes
- Pour in your broth (chicken or vegetable) and add the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add The Kale
- Stir in the chopped kale and let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the kale is tender but still vibrant in color.
Season To Taste
- Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper. If you like a little kick, you can also add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve And Enjoy
- Once everything is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaves and serve your Ham and Kale Soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down why these ingredients are so essential to making this soup a true standout:

Ham: The star ingredient! The saltiness and depth of flavor in ham infuse the broth and vegetables with a savory richness. If you’re using a ham bone, the marrow adds an even richer, meaty taste to the soup.
Kale: Kale is a nutrient powerhouse. Full of vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants, it’s a great way to boost the health factor of your meal. Plus, it’s a hearty green that stands up well in soups without wilting down too much.
Potatoes: These give the soup its comforting heartiness. They also help thicken the broth as they cook, adding to the creamy texture without the need for cream.
Carrots & Celery: These veggies provide a balance of sweetness and freshness. Together, they form the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile, creating a well-rounded taste with every spoonful.

Expert Tips

Use Leftover Ham: If you’ve got leftover ham from a holiday feast or just a big Sunday roast, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. It’s a great way to stretch your leftovers and make them into something new and exciting.
For a Thicker Soup: If you like your soup thicker, mash a portion of the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher before adding the kale. This will create a creamier texture without needing any cream.
Low and Slow: If you have the time, let your soup simmer for a longer period. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors will develop. Just make sure to check the potatoes and kale for doneness!
Pre-cook the Kale: Kale can sometimes be a little tough if not cooked enough. If you’re concerned about the texture, you can blanch it before adding it to the soup. Just boil it in water for a few minutes, then add it in during the last stage of cooking.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to mix things up with this Ham and Kale Soup. Here are a few ideas:

Add Beans: Want to add even more protein and fiber? Toss in a can of drained and rinsed white beans, like cannellini or great northern beans, during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Swap the Kale for Spinach: If you prefer a milder, softer green, swap out the kale for spinach. Just remember that spinach wilts much faster, so add it toward the end of the cooking time.
Make It Spicy: For a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in red pepper flakes while the soup is simmering. It’ll give the soup a nice warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply leave out the ham and use vegetable broth. You could also add some plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for a smoky flavor.

Final Words

Ham and Kale Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds-savory, smoky ham, and nutritious, hearty greens. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a delicious and satisfying option that’s simple to make. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, so you can always make it your own with a few tweaks and substitutions. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a warm bowl of this tasty, nutrient-packed soup!

Ham And Kale Soup Recipe