Creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying, Green Tomato Soup with Country Ham is a rustic dish that transforms underripe green tomatoes into a flavor-packed meal. This recipe combines the tart brightness of green tomatoes with the smoky, savory richness of crispy country ham, creating a unique and comforting soup. Aromatic garlic, onion, and fresh thyme infuse the chicken stock base, which is blended until silky smooth and finished with a touch of heavy cream for added richness. The crispy ham garnish adds a deliciously hearty texture, while optional croutons provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect for showcasing seasonal tomatoes or making use of garden leftovers, this one-pot wonder comes together in under an hour and is ideal as a hearty lunch or cozy dinner.
Dice the green tomatoes, peel and finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
Cut the country ham into small bite-sized pieces or strips.
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, then add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the diced green tomatoes to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
Add the chicken stock, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 20 minutes, uncovered.
While the soup is simmering, heat a small skillet over medium heat and crisp up the country ham pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until slightly browned and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to cool.
After 20 minutes of simmering, remove the thyme sprigs from the soup. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, then return it to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through for 5 minutes, but do not bring it to a boil.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy country ham pieces and optional croutons. Serve immediately.
Calories |
2165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.8 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.0 g | 235% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 334 mg | 111% | |
| Sodium | 4637 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 162.7 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.6 g | ||
| Protein | 102.6 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 374 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2680 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.