Sweet Potato, Ham and Kale Soup with Rosemary

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Soup is the best way to use up leftover ham!

I think when it comes to leftovers, most people are either cheerleaders or they stick their noses up at them. Maybe because they feel like it’s not that different than the original way it was served?

Yesterday I got to spend a little time with the crew at Twin Cities Live talking about 3 easy ways to use leftover ham that move beyond the usual suspects of tossing it into a hash or adding it to a grilled cheese sandwich. Not that those aren’t completely delicious, but it’s always fun to expand our recipe boxes right?

This chunky ham and kale soup with sweet potato is the ultimate leftover makeover! With diced ham, cubed sweet potatoes, and fresh kale all simmered in a rich broth, it’s a cozy, hearty dinner soup that’s ready in 30 minutes. I also love this Cozy Split Pea Soup that uses leftover ham, too!

3 Tips for Making Amazing Homemade Soup

• As I’ve watched and helped others cook, I’ve noticed that most are quite shy with salt and end up thinking the recipe wasn’t a very good one – or they add salt only at the end of cooking so it never has a chance to infuse the other ingredients.
• Adding salt while the onions are sautéing with the rosemary (also key in bringing out the aromatics of this hearty herb) AND again once you add the sweet potatoes is key. Chemically it will make the onions sweat and bring out the natural juices and the sweet potatoes need it to bring out their flavor.
• Homemade broth or stock: I confess, I wasn’t a homemade broth/stock type of person until a few years ago. I always thought it was a great idea, but the convenience of store bought was so nice. But after my first sip of hot chicken bone broth, I was sold. It is wonderfully robust, and has a buttery mouthfeel that you just don’t get from the cartons.

Of course, if you don’t make your own broth, that’s okay too, just know that you might need to amp up the rosemary and salt.

What does this soup taste like?

With the gray, chilly days that April has brought to Minnesota, I feel like it makes this soup tastes even better. The salty sweet pork plays off the earthy kale, and the sweet potatoes meld with the warmth of the rosemary. I really love the colors too – orange, pink and green normally aren’t seen together, but they look lovely in the bowl don’t they?

And I must say don’t just reserve this bowl of comfort for lunch or dinner. I’ve discovered that having homemade gluten-free soup for breakfast might just be one of life’s hidden treasures. It’s soothing, comforting and a nice way to bring yourself together before the day starts.

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30-Minute Leftover Ham, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup

This simple, leftover ham soup is unexpectedly delicious, made with sweet potatoes and kale. Homemade chicken broth is key to deep flavor, and the rosemary compliments the sweet potatoes perfectly. It's so satisfying and quick to make!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time :15 minutes minutes

Cook Time :25 minutes minutes

Total Time :42 minutes minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Amanda Paa

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, with 1 teaspoon of it removed and chopped (1 teaspoon if using dried)
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 cups leftover diced ham
• 3 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth (preferably)
• 3-4 large leaves of kale, finely chopped

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Instructions 

• In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in sweet potatoes, remaining salt and black pepper if using, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
• Add rosemary, ham and broth, bring to a light simmer, and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, then add kale and cook for 4 more minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Remove full spring of rosemary. Taste and adjust salt as needed. The amount of salt you need may vary depending on the broth you use. Enjoy!

Notes

If you use store bought chicken broth, you might need to adjust the salt ratios. Taste throughout cooking and add as needed.