If the weather where you are is anything like it is here in Maryland, spring has not quite sprung just yet. I’m so ready for warmer weather, but the one benefit of the cooler temps sticking around a little longer is that soup is still an appetizing meal option.
I wanted to share a recipe for one that has been on repeat the last few months. It is perfect if you have some ham in your fridge leftover from Easter dinner!
I have made a few variations of this soup depending on why I had on hand, so I’ll start with the original and then share any alternative versions also.
To make, combine the first 6 ingredients in your Instant Pot. Use the manual setting for 10 minutes followed by a quick release.
Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid and add the last 3 ingredients, mixing well. They heat right up as you combined them with the initial ingredients.
It is delicious!
Like I said, I have made a few variations.
The first time I made it, I happened to have all the ingredients on hand, along with some leftover ham from Christmas dinner. I think that because of the flavoring of the ham, this was the best version I’ve made. (All have been good, but this was definitely the front runner!)
I have not had celery on hand the other times, but have substituted with a few sprinkles of celery seed to give the celery taste. It works for us!
I have used different types of potatoes: russet, red, and the “red,white,& blue” baby potato bag from Aldi. I have made it both with peeling and not peeling, depending on how I was feeling. Obviously, if I didn’t peel, I scrubbed them well.
I have made it without ham. This would have been fine, BUT I made the mistake of adding more salt, thinking that it would make up for the lack of salty flavor the ham would bring. Big mistake. It made it way to salty! My husband still ate it without complaint, but I had a specific flavor in mind, and this was not it!
I have used cubed ham-steak the other times I have made this. I have also used whatever carrots we’ve had on hand: baby carrots cut up or matchstick. All have swapped well.
This soup also reheats well, so it’s perfect to prep for lunches while still being hearty enough to serve for dinner.
Its a winner in my book! Let me know if you try this soup. I’d love to hear from you!
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