A bag of cole slaw is the start to a simple, delicious pot of soup. The soup is inexpensive to make, nourishing, and easy. You also probably have most of the ingredients around or can find them easily in the markets. With chopped ham, the soup makes a great main dish for a simple supper. If you like a spicy soup, you can add some hot sauce to the soup, but we like the soup "as is," which means not spicy. The soup is quick to make and can be held on the stove, simmering gently, if you have late arrivals for supper. Just add a salad and some bread or serve the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, and you'll have a nice, comforting meal. Leftover soup also makes great lunches. Enjoy!
Cole Slaw and Ham Soup -- Serves 4+
1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cups of bagged cole slaw mix (the kind that includes carrots works well)
2 quarts of ham broth, water, or chicken broth
2-3 cups of chopped ham
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/2 -1 teaspoon of dried dill
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion to the oil and saute it a few minutes, then add the cole slaw mix to the pot. Saute the onion and cole slaw until both start to soften, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the broth, the ham, salt, pepper, dill, and potatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot. Let the mixture cook until the potatoes have softened--about 30 minutes. Stir the soup to break up some of the potatoes and slightly thicken the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings.
