Ham And Rice Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, and you’re in need of something hearty, comforting, and satisfying, few dishes hit the spot quite like a bowl of warm Ham and Rice Soup. This savory concoction not only packs a punch in flavor but also has that magical ability to fill your stomach and warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it a perfect dish for all sorts of occasions. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to prepare for a family meal or hoping to use up leftover holiday ham, this soup does the job effortlessly.

What’s more, ham and rice soup is one of those dishes that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations. Its simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, while its richness in flavor provides a depth that keeps people coming back for more. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze, and your kitchen won’t be left looking like a tornado just passed through. Let’s break down how to make this incredible dish, from start to finish.

This classic recipe is a perfect blend of tender ham, creamy rice, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those chilly nights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive in.

Ingredients Needed

For this Ham and Rice Soup, you’ll need a few simple, pantry-staple ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable dish:

Ham: About 2-3 cups of diced cooked ham. This is the star of the dish, so use good quality ham-preferably leftover ham from a roast or holiday meal. If you don’t have leftover ham, pre-cooked ham steaks from the store will work just as well.
Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice. While brown rice is an option, the white rice tends to cook more evenly and has a lovely, soft texture that melds perfectly with the broth.
Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced. Carrots add a natural sweetness and a burst of color to the soup.
Celery: 2 celery stalks, diced. Celery brings in a refreshing crunch and a hint of herbal flavor that complements the other vegetables.
Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. Onion adds a foundational savory flavor that deepens the soup’s overall taste.
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the richness and provides depth.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This is your base, and it adds the right balance of savory and light flavors.
Bay Leaves: 2 dried bay leaves. They’re essential for infusing the broth with a subtle earthy aroma.
Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or a sprig of fresh thyme). Thyme offers a woodsy flavor that blends beautifully with the ham.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. These are key to seasoning the soup perfectly.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the vegetables.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions, finely chopped. This adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness at the end.

Cooking Instructions

This recipe comes together fairly quickly, making it a fantastic option for busy days when you need something nourishing without spending all your time in the kitchen. Here’s how to make it:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic so it’s ready to go.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step is key to developing that deep, savory base.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir in the rice, then cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
Add Ham: Toss in the diced ham and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the ham to heat through.
Season: Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for an extra burst of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role, contributing both flavor and texture:

Ham: Aside from being the star, ham adds a smoky, salty richness to the soup that infuses the broth and pairs perfectly with the neutral rice and vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover ham, turning it into something new and delicious.
Rice: Long-grain rice absorbs the broth without becoming mushy, making it an ideal choice. As the rice cooks in the liquid, it thickens the soup slightly, giving it a creamy texture without the need for cream or flour.
Carrots and Celery: Both vegetables are part of the “mirepoix”, a French culinary term for a base of onion, carrot, and celery used in many soups and stews. They provide sweetness and balance the saltiness of the ham.
Garlic: Garlic’s sharp, pungent flavor mellows and becomes sweeter as it cooks, adding depth to the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
Broth: Chicken broth serves as the base, offering a light yet savory foundation. Using low-sodium broth ensures that the soup isn’t too salty, especially considering the ham adds its own saltiness.
Bay Leaves and Thyme: These herbs add complexity to the broth. Bay leaves provide an earthy, slightly floral aroma, while thyme gives a subtle woodsy flavor.

Expert Tips

To take this Ham and Rice Soup to the next level, here are a few pro tips:

Use Bone-In Ham: If you happen to have a bone-in ham, don’t toss the bone after you’ve carved the meat. Add it to the soup while it simmers to extract even more flavor from the ham. Just be sure to remove the bone before serving!
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice! Overcooked rice can make the soup mushy. It’s done when it’s tender but still holding its shape. You can also use instant rice if you’re in a hurry, but regular rice will give you a more satisfying texture.
Add Greens for Extra Nutrition: Want to boost the nutritional value? Stir in some spinach, kale, or even frozen peas towards the end of cooking. These greens will add color, vitamins, and a nice contrast in texture.
Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk once the soup is done cooking. This will transform the broth into a rich, velvety base that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this soup lies in how easily you can customize it based on what you have in your kitchen. Here are a few variations to try:

Ham and Bean Soup: Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) for extra protein and texture. They’ll pair beautifully with the ham and rice, making the soup even heartier.
Spicy Ham and Rice Soup: If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ham for mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based twist. The earthiness of mushrooms will bring a savory umami flavor to the soup that mimics the richness of ham.
Different Grains: If you want to switch up the rice, consider using farro, barley, or quinoa for a slightly different texture and added nutritional benefits.

Final Words

Ham and Rice Soup is one of those timeless dishes that never gets old. It’s a recipe that’s flexible, delicious, and truly comforting. Whether you’re making it for a simple dinner or looking to serve it as part of a festive spread, it never disappoints. The combination of smoky ham, tender rice, and savory broth creates a soup that’s not only filling but bursting with flavor.

Ham And Rice Soup Recipe