Creamy Cabbage Soup with Ham
Creamy Cabbage Soup with Ham is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends tender cabbage, smoky ham, and a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days or a cozy meal, this easy-to-make soup delivers hearty nutrition and satisfying warmth with a rich, savory taste.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Prepare your vegetables and ham: Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dicing the ham. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to build the flavor base.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, creating a wonderful base for your soup.
- Add ham and cabbage: Toss in the diced ham and cabbage, stirring for a few minutes so the ham’s smokiness infuses the veggies and everything begins to soften.
- Pour in broth and simmer: Add the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender—usually around 20 minutes.
- Blend and add cream: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup right in the pot, leaving some cabbage chunks for bite. Then stir in the cream and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Final simmer and serve: Let the soup cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until everything melds together perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm and cozy.
Notes
- Use quality ham for the best smoky flavor, such as cooked ham or ham hock.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage; keep it tender but slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Stir frequently during the final steps to prevent cream from sticking or curdling.
- Adjust creaminess by adding the cream gradually to reach your desired texture.
- If the soup thickens too much, thin it with a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Creamy cabbage soup, ham soup, comforting soup, creamy soup, easy winter soup, smoked ham soup