Looking for a warm and satisfying meal? This Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup recipe is the perfect choice. It combines tender ham, savory vegetables, and hearty beans for an easy comfort food dinner that you’ll love. Making this soup in your Instant Pot saves time and brings out rich flavors, making it a wonderful way to use leftover ham.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
This Leftover Hambone Soup has everything you want in a comfort meal. It is warm, filling, and incredibly flavorful. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, so you can have dinner ready in no time. With a simple blend of fresh vegetables and hearty beans, this soup is nutritious and satisfying. Plus, using a leftover ham bone gives it a deep, savory taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
How to Make Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat attached)
- 2 cups diced ham (optional, from leftovers)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried beans (navy, white, or mixed), rinsed
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sauté Vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add a little oil and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are softened.
Add Ingredients: Next, place the ham bone and optional diced ham into the pot. Add the rinsed beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything well to combine.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid securely and select the High Pressure setting. Cook for 35 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Finish Soup: Remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred any meat that remains on it and return the shredded ham to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy it hot.
How to Serve Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
This soup is delicious on its own but pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Serve it in warm bowls and let everyone dig in. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
How to Store Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze this soup! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Tips to Make Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup Perfect
- Beans: Soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time. If you soak them, adjust the cooking time to around 20-25 minutes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or corn for additional flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors too.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Herb Blends: Try using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after cooking.
Pro Tips for Success
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overfill the Instant Pot. A full pot can lead to uneven cooking or burner burnout.
- Quality Broth: Use homemade or high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Natural Release: Allow for natural pressure release when possible to enhance the soup’s flavor.
FAQs About Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
Can I use cooked or canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute cooked or canned beans. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes since they are already cooked. Just add them at the same time you would normally add the broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup is gluten-free. All the ingredients used, including the broth, should be gluten-free. Always check your broth packaging to be certain.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The entire process, from sautéing the vegetables to enjoying your soup, takes about an hour. This includes the application of the sauté function, pressure cooking time, and natural release.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a way to savor leftovers and create something warm and inviting. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring comfort food to your table in no time. Enjoy this hearty soup on a cold evening with your family and watch it become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Leftover Hambone Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat attached)
- 2 cups diced ham (optional, from leftovers) Can use for added depth of flavor
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried beans (navy, white, or mixed), rinsed Soaking overnight recommended
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use high-quality broth for best flavor
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish Adds freshness to the soup
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add a little oil and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are softened.
- Place the ham bone and optional diced ham into the pot. Add the rinsed beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid securely and select the High Pressure setting. Cook for 35 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Remove the ham bone from the pot, shred any meat that remains on it, and return the shredded ham to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.