An easy and nutritious soup you’ll find yourself making again and again.
In my humble opinion, the best soups are the ones that offer a diverse list of ingredients. Specifically, I like having a mix of both meats and vegetables swimming in the broth. With several vegetables in this soup, you know it’s going to be healthy. But I also like the way the ham complements those vegetables, creating a hearty, healthy, and tasty soup.
Keep in mind that we’re not talking about any fancy ingredients. Everything in this soup is something you’ll probably have at home or can easily pick up at the store. The cooking portion isn’t that difficult either; for the most part, you just add the ingredients to the pot and let the soup simmer.
Is Ham and Cabbage Soup Healthy?
With so many vegetables in this soup, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Specifically, this soup is high in fiber and vitamin C thanks to the cabbage, as well as beta-carotene from the carrots and potassium from the onion. The soup is also quite low in fat and calories, depending on the cut of ham you use. Meanwhile, the ham is also a good source of protein. The high sodium content might be the only concern for some people.
If you’re a vegetarian or don’t appreciate ham, I would recommend this classic Cabbage Soup instead.
How to Get the Seasoning Right
Just as you would with any pot of soup, it’s important to get the seasoning right. Start by tasting the ham before adding it to the pot. If it’s salty, you may not need any extra salt. If it’s too salty, you may want to add a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar to the soup, or try a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the salt. I would also recommend adding a small amount of rosemary to help enhance the flavors of the dish further. And try adding a few pepper flakes if you want to give the soup some kick.
How to make ahead and store
Leftover soup can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love plenty of greens with my soup, so I often opt for a side salad like this Mediterranean Low-Carb Broccoli Salad or perhaps a Cucumber Avocado Salad for a pop of freshness. But the classic pairing for any soup has to be a Grilled Cheese! I also love to sprinkle some Roasted Chickpeas over my bowl of soup for some extra crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups cabbage shredded
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, cabbage, and ham to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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