A ham bone, which is frequently left over after a succulent ham supper, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to impart a savory, smoky flavor to a variety of dishes. It has the potential to transform essential elements into intricate and flavorful dishes. From substantial soups and stews to rice dishes and casseroles, a ham bone is a valuable asset in the kitchen that should be well-spent. This article, will explain what can i do with a ham bone.
1. Nana’s Epic Navy Bean Ham Bone Soup
This easy ham and bean soup with only 10 ingredients is a must-try for anyone who likes hot, slightly spicy soups on long, cold nights.
It only has a ham bone, navy beans, and onions as “solid” ingredients, but the herbs and spices you add will make it taste like a full, complicated meal with lots of flavors.
Together, garlic, red pepper, fresh thyme, and other ingredients make this soup extraordinary.
Try it the next time you require something to soothe your stomach.
2. Ham And Potato Soup
If you want a broth with even more chunks and heartiness, consider ham and potato soup.
Because of the whipped cream, it is vibrant and creamy.
Plenty of diced vegetables and ham chunks for you to savor.
For instance, you can include potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and any other vegetables you desire.
It still contains plenty of herbs and seasonings for a robust, full-bodied flavor, and preparation takes only 10 minutes (but 90 minutes to cook).
It’s also pretty healthy, with only 11 grams of fat per dish. However, someone on a low-carbohydrate diet might find it too high in carbs.
3. Leftover Ham Bone Lentil Soup
The person who wrote the original recipe says it’s “hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor,” and I can’t think of a better way to describe it.
Although lentils may not be the most exciting ingredient for a broth, this soup has much more going on than just lentils.
There are tender vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) and flavorful seasonings and herbs (parsley, thyme, garlic, and red pepper).
And if the chicken broth base and ham bone weren’t enough flesh for you, we’ll add a pound of sausages!
After consuming this, no one will be complaining of hunger.
4. Collard Greens With Ham Bone
Most southern cooks already know this, but for those who don’t, You can even use ham bone to flavor collard greens!
It may not be as healthy as eating the greens alone, but most people would agree that it tastes much superior.
It imparts a savory, meaty flavor that mitigates their inherent bitterness.
If you would like to consume more collard greens but dislike them, attempt cooking them in this manner the next time. It may very well startle you.
5. Red Beans And Rice
As someone who loves Cajun food and often goes to New Orleans, I love red beans and rice cooked in any way available.
However, this recipe is likely one of my favorites. This is because there is so much more than just red beans and rice.
Additionally, there are onions, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, andouille sausage, and a ham bone.
The preparation of this dish is time-consuming, mainly if you include the four-hour soaking time for the beans, but the end result is well worth the effort.
6. Ham Stock
Ham bones can also be used to create ham stock, which is an excellent base for soups, stews, and other dishes.
It is not excessively oily and packed with natural flavor.
Best of all, it can be frozen for up to a year, so you can prepare it in large quantities without worrying about waste.
7. Split Pea Soup With Ham
Split pea soup is not one of the most visually appealing soups, but it tastes great, particularly when ham bone and diced ham are added.
This soup recipe includes both ingredients. The flavor is robust and slightly smoky, and the soup’s thick consistency makes it seem even more substantial.
This option is also relatively quick, taking only 90 minutes from start to completion.
8. Smoky Ham And Black Bean Soup
Split pea soup is not required to experience a deliciously smoky and hearty soup. This peppery, vegetable-packed ham and black bean soup is also suitable.
It has a flavor that is almost too complex to describe but is phenomenal nonetheless.
It’s one of those dishes you can’t fully appreciate until you taste it, but you can tell from the aroma that it will be delicious.
You can make it even tastier by adding cheese, cilantro, sour cream, green scallions, or any other condiment you enjoy with your spicy soups.
9. Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Ham Bone Soup
This broth is so thick that it is almost unrecognizable as soup.
It contains a generous quantity of pasta, a thick, sauce-like broth, an abundance of vegetables, ham, and more.
This is not the pasta fagioli served at Olive Garden. This is something wholly different and far superior.
It takes several hours to prepare but several hours to produce.
The remaining steps are performed in the slow cooker, making them extremely simple. And even if it were, the flavor would justify the cost.
10. Black-Eyed Peas With Leftover Ham Bone
If your family enjoys serving black-eyed peas, vegetables, and ham on New Year’s Day, you will enjoy this dish. It’s as if you’re combining them into a single delectable dish.
It may not appear appetizing, but it tastes incredible: salty, fresh, earthy, meaty, and delicious.
It’s a simple method to get New Year’s luck, money, and health out of the way simultaneously!
It is also delicious on a Saturday during any season.
A ham bone is a culinary secret weapon that can add complexity and dimension to your dishes. Whether simmering a pot of soup, preparing a savory gravy, or preparing a comforting casserole, the smoky, salty essence of a ham bone can elevate your cuisine. Don’t throw it away; utilize it and savor the delicious flavors it can contribute to your meals. Your taste senses will appreciate it, and you will reduce food waste.