Easy Ham Hock Soup with Leftover Ham

Crafting a nutritious and flavourful meal during the week doesn’t have to be a chore. This soup is designed for those seeking a quick and satisfying solution, making the most of leftover ham. Everything comes together without delay, ensuring a warm and comforting dish is on the table in under half an hour. Our approach focuses on maximising efficiency, allowing you to cook the vegetables and infuse the broth while the ham warms through, all without any fuss.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2.8 oz (80g) smoked pancetta or speck, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 stick celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10.6 oz (300g) leftover cooked ham (or pre-cooked ham hock meat), diced
• 1 tin (14.1 oz / 400g) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 33.8 fl oz (1 litre) vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the pancetta or speck and cook for 4-5 minutes, until crispy and the fat has rendered.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the diced cooked ham and the rinsed cannellini beans. Pour the vegetable or chicken stock into the pot.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with plenty of fresh chopped parsley.

Serving & Leftovers

This soup is a hearty one-pot meal, ideal served with toasted croutons or a slice of rustic bread. Leftovers keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can gently reheat it on the hob or in the microwave, adding a little extra stock if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having a repertoire of reliable weeknight recipes simplifies kitchen management and reduces stress. This approach to meal preparation, focused on efficiency and utilising leftovers, transforms daily challenges into opportunities for delicious, effortless dishes.