Ham Shank Soup Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of a rich, flavorful bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty ingredients and a savory depth of flavor. One soup that can easily become the centerpiece of any meal is Ham Shank Soup. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. This dish, packed with smoky ham and tender vegetables, combines simple ingredients that, when simmered slowly, develop an unbelievably rich and complex flavor.

Ham shank is one of those underappreciated cuts of meat that offers incredible value. It’s often overlooked in favor of more popular cuts, but when used correctly, it imparts a wonderful smokiness to any soup or stew. The bone, particularly, gives the soup a deep, savory base that you just can’t replicate with any other ingredient. Plus, ham shank is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers or stretch a small portion of meat into a meal that serves a crowd.

This Ham Shank Soup Recipe isn’t just for cold winter days-it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. The best part? It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner.

Ham Shank Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• 1 ham shank (around 2-3 lbs, bone-in)
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (you can use stock for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 medium potatoes (diced, can be Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen, trimmed)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Ham Shank

   • Start by rinsing the ham shank under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. Pat it dry with paper towels.
   • Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ham shank on all sides to develop a nice sear. This adds great flavor to the broth. Remove the ham shank and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. You may need to add a little more oil if the vegetables start to stick.

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Once the vegetables have softened, return the ham shank to the pot. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and some salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The ham should be tender, and the flavors will start to meld together beautifully.

4. Finish The Soup

   • Once the ham shank is tender, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat off the bone. Discard the bone and any large pieces of fat.
   • Return the shredded ham to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and green beans. Continue simmering the soup for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. You can pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

• Ham Shank: The ham shank is a flavorful cut of meat that often gets overlooked in favor of ham hocks or larger cuts. It’s a tough, sinewy piece of meat that benefits from long, slow cooking, where it imparts a deep smokiness to the broth. The bone is key here-it adds richness and depth to the soup while helping to infuse the liquid with its savory flavor.
• Vegetables: The typical veggie medley for a hearty soup includes carrots, celery, and onions, which create a wonderful base for the broth. Potatoes bring texture and bulk to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying.
• Broth: You can opt for chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference or dietary restrictions. If you want a richer flavor, try using bone broth for an even more robust taste.
• Herbs: The combination of thyme and rosemary is classic for soups, particularly with ham. These herbs bring out the savory notes of the ham while enhancing the overall depth of the soup. The bay leaf adds a subtle layer of aromatic flavor.

Expert Tips

• Slow Simmering: Ham shank needs time to cook to release its flavor. Don’t rush the simmering process; let it go for at least 1.5 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
• Shred the Ham: After cooking, make sure to shred the ham into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more of the ham’s smoky goodness you’ll get in every spoonful.
• Add Fresh Herbs: For a bright burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh thyme or rosemary toward the end of cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the soup’s flavor profile, offering a contrast to the rich, hearty broth.
• Bone-in Flavor: Don’t skip the bone! The marrow in the ham shank bone releases valuable nutrients and contributes a depth of flavor you just can’t get with boneless ham.

Recipe Variations

• Add Beans: To make this soup even more filling, add beans like navy beans, kidney beans, or white beans. These can add extra protein and fiber to the dish.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. The heat will balance out the rich, smoky flavors of the ham.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham shank and use vegetable broth along with smoked paprika and liquid smoke to give the soup that deep, smoky flavor. You can add extra beans or a meat substitute like tempeh for protein.
• Root Vegetables: You could experiment by swapping out potatoes for other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips. They’ll add a subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Herb Variations: If you want to shake up the flavor, try using sage, oregano, or parsley as alternatives to thyme and rosemary. These herbs bring their own unique character to the soup.

Final Words

Ham Shank Soup is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together on a Sunday, and then enjoy all week long with leftovers that only get better as they sit. The combination of tender meat, savory broth, and vegetables is just what you need to satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping for a cozy lunch, or simply wanting to use up leftover ham, this soup is the perfect choice. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with rich flavor that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or techniques.