Ham, Delicata Squash and Wild Rice Soup
Cozy Up with Creamy Ham and Wild Rice Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And this Ham and Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need! It’s packed with flavor, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget bland, boring soups – this one is a delightful blend of savory ham, earthy wild rice, and tender vegetables.
We’ve taken a classic soup and elevated it with the subtle sweetness of delicata squash and the freshness of green beans. The wild rice adds a wonderful texture that sets it apart from your average soup. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a potluck contribution.
What makes this soup special?
- Flavorful Base: The combination of ham and stock creates a rich, savory broth.
- Textural Delight: Wild rice provides a satisfying chewiness.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables, this soup is as good for you as it tastes.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tips for the Best Ham and Wild Rice Soup:
- Wild Rice Prep: Cooking wild rice can take time. Consider cooking it a day ahead or using pre-cooked wild rice to save time.
- Ham Choice: Leftover ham works wonderfully in this soup! Just be sure to cube it into bite-sized pieces.
- Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to simmer for a good amount of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of rice? While wild rice is preferred for its unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with brown rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time will need to be adjusted.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the ingredients in your stock to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten.
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers and freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What kind of ham is best? Any kind of cooked ham will work, but a smoked ham adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or potatoes.
This Ham and Wild Rice Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
Ham and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 medium carrots sliced into coins
- 1 medium delicata squash cubed (skin on is okay)
- 1 cup green beans cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 stalks green onions chopped
- 2 cups ham cubed
- 8 oz wild rice cooked
- 64 oz chicken or ham stock
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- pinch salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, saute the onion, garlic, carrots, squash and green beans until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ham and saute until slightly browned, if desired.
- Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a low boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until all is tender and cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
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