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–+ servings

Ham & Collard Green Soup

Brad
A hearty and comforting soup that's perfect for cold days or using up leftover ham. This Ham and Collard Green Soup combines the rich flavors of ham with nutritious collard greens and a medley of vegetables. It's an ideal dish for warming up and bringing comfort, especially during stormy times.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups diced leftover ham
  • 1 large bunch of collard greens rinsed, stems removed, and chopped
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks of celery diced
  • 1 large potato diced
  • 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 packet Sazón Goya
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Ingredients: Dice the ham and prepare all vegetables. Chop collard greens into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent.
  • Add Ham and Spices: Include diced ham, packet of Sazón Goya, salt (to taste), and pepper (and red pepper flakes if using). Cook for a few minutes.
  • Combine Potatoes and Greens: Add diced potato and collard greens. Stir well.
  • Add Broth: Pour in broth, ensuring it covers all ingredients. Add water if necessary.
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust for salt, pepper, or paprika.
  • Serve Hot: Enjoy the soup with bread or cornbread.

Notes

  1. Stock Choice: For the best flavor, use homemade stock. If unavailable, a good alternative is reduced-sodium store-bought broth. This helps control the saltiness, especially since the ham adds its own salt.
  2. Prepping the Ham: Before adding the ham to the soup, trim off any excess fat. This step ensures a healthier and more pleasant texture.
  3. Vegetable Size: Dice the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Keeping the vegetables and ham uniformly small makes the soup easier and more enjoyable to eat, ensuring a balanced spoonful every time.
  4. Washing Collard Greens: It's crucial to thoroughly wash the collard greens. This step removes any dirt or grit. For a more thorough clean, you can soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar or salt, then rinse well.
  5. Balancing Flavors: If you're adding a seasoning packet like Sazón Goya, remember it contains salt. Adjust the amount of additional salt you add to the soup accordingly.
  6. Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use leftover ham, making it an excellent post-holiday meal.
  7. Storing and Reheating: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
By following these simple tips, you'll ensure your Ham and Collard Green Soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and enjoy.
Keyword Collard Greens Soup Recipe, Comfort Food Soup, Easy Collard Greens Soup, Family-Friendly Soup, Ham and Collard Green Soup, Ham Soup with Vegetables, Healthy Green Soup, Hearty Winter Soup, Homemade soup recipe, Leftover Ham Recipe, Nutritious Soup Ideas, Quick Ham Soup, Seasonal Soup Recipe, Southern Style Soup, Warm Soup Recipes
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