Here’s a list of ingredients for a **holiday spiral ham and lima bean soup**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better for holiday recipes and comfort food ideas:
- **1 spiral-cut ham bone** (leftover from holiday ham, adds rich flavor)
- **2 cups cooked spiral ham** (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- **2 cups dried lima beans** (soaked overnight for creamier texture)
- **1 large onion** (diced, for savory base flavor)
- **3 cloves garlic** (minced, for aromatic depth)
- **3 medium carrots** (peeled and diced, for sweetness and color)
- **3 celery stalks** (chopped, for earthy flavor)
- **1/2 tsp black pepper** (freshly ground, for seasoning)
- **1/2 tsp salt** (adjust to taste, ham may already be salty)
- **2 tbsp olive oil** (for sautéing vegetables)
- **1 cup diced tomatoes** (optional, for tangy richness)
- **1 cup frozen corn** (optional, for added sweetness and texture)
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish and freshness)
This **holiday spiral ham and lima bean soup** is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for using leftover ham and creating a cozy meal during the festive season. Keywords like *holiday ham recipes*, *comfort food soup*, and *lima bean soup* can help boost visibility for this recipe.
Steps
# How to Make Holiday Spiral Ham and Lima Bean Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Celebrate the holiday season with a comforting and hearty **holiday spiral ham and lima bean soup**. This recipe combines the rich flavors of spiral ham with creamy lima beans, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter nights. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious soup that will impress your guests.
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## **Ingredients**
- 1 spiral ham bone (with leftover meat)
- 2 cups cooked lima beans (or 1 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Ham Bone**
1. Remove any excess fat from the **spiral ham bone**.
2. Shred leftover ham meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. Heat **olive oil** in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add **onion, carrots, and celery**. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in **garlic** and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
### **Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings**
1. Pour in **chicken or vegetable broth** and add the **ham bone**.
2. Stir in **bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper**.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour.
### **Step 4: Cook the Lima Beans**
1. If using **dried lima beans**, add them to the pot after the first 30 minutes of simmering.
2. If using **cooked lima beans**, add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
### **Step 5: Shred the Ham Meat**
1. Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool slightly.
2. Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
### **Step 6: Simmer and Adjust Seasoning**
1. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Taste and adjust **salt and pepper** as needed.
### **Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **fresh parsley**.
2. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
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## **Tips for Success**
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the lima beans before adding them to the pot.
- Use leftover holiday ham to save time and reduce food waste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
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This **holiday spiral ham and lima bean soup** is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory ham, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for holiday meals or chilly evenings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
**Keywords:** holiday spiral ham, lima bean soup, holiday soup recipe, ham and bean soup, easy holiday meals, comfort food recipes, winter soup ideas.