Smoked Ham & Winter Vegetable Soup

This hearty soup is packed full of flavour and goodness. And the smokiness of the ham (not to mention the quantity) makes everyone want seconds, whilst getting heaps of easily digestible veggies. This is a firm favourite in the Kimlin household. My husband is not usually a big soup fan, but this one has won him over!

SMOKED HAM & WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP

Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 kg smoked ham hock (or any cut of smoked ham)
3 leeks, chopped
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
6 large sticks of celery with leaves, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup Homemade Stock (liquid or frozen)
1 small handful of fresh thyme
4 bay leaves
500ml – 1 liter water (whatever will fit into your pot and just cover the veggies and ham)

Method:
Place a large pot on a medium heat and add the leeks and garlic. Sautee for 5 mins until fragrant.
Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 5 hours or until the ham hock meat falls off the bone.
If using a ham hock, remove the fat and bones from the soup before mixing the soup and breaking up the meat.
Also discard the bay leaves and bunch of thyme.
Serve with fresh parsley, salt and pepper.