Slovak Ham Vegetable Soup

Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Slovak Ham Vegetable Soup, a traditional comfort dish bursting with rich, smoky flavors and wholesome vegetables. Featuring tender smoked ham, a medley of carrots, parsnips, green beans, and potatoes, and a subtle kick of paprika, this recipe captures the essence of Slovak home cooking. Simmered to perfection, the ham infuses the broth with a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the vibrant vegetables. Garnished with fresh parsley, this soup is as visually pleasing as it is satisfying. Ready in just over an hour, it’s an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re seeking an authentic Slovak dish or a hearty, flavorful soup, this recipe is a must-try.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams smoked ham (bone-in, if possible)
• 3 medium potatoes
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium parsnips
• 2 stalks celery stalks
• 100 grams green beans
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1.5 liters vegetable stock or water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, carrots, and parsnip. Slice the celery stalks and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

3. Stir in the paprika and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spice to release its aroma.

Step 4

4. Add the smoked ham to the pot, followed by the vegetable stock or water. Drop in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5

5. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the ham to infuse the broth with its smoky flavor.

Step 6

6. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, parsnip, celery, and green beans to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer the soup for another 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 7

7. Remove the ham from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use a fork and knife to shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bone or excess fat.

Step 8

8. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

9. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your traditional Slovak Ham Vegetable Soup!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3243.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1650.3

Total Fat 32.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 296.3mg	0%
Sodium 14231.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.2g	0%
Total Sugars 46.4g
Protein 133.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 414.9mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 7611.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.3%

Protein: 31.6%

Carbs: 51.0%