Vegetable and Ham Soup with Raclette Croutons

Name: Vegetable and Ham Soup with Raclette Croutons
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 large carrots (peeled and diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 1 medium potato (peeled and diced); 1 cup green beans (trimmed and chopped); 1 kg ham bone (with some meat attached); 8 cups water; 1 tsp thyme (dried); 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 4 slices baguette (cut into cubes); 1 tbsp olive oil; 100 g raclette cheese (grated)

80 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

A hearty and comforting vegetable and ham soup topped with irresistible raclette cheese croutons.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

80 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Vegetable and Ham Soup with Raclette Croutons is a delightful blend of hearty vegetables, savoury ham, and crispy, cheesy croutons. This soup is perfect for cold days when you crave something warm and comforting. The rich flavour of the ham broth pairs wonderfully with the earthy vegetables. The raclette croutons add a luxurious touch, melting slightly into the soup for an irresistible finish.

Instructions

Prepare the Ham Broth

In a large pot, combine the ham bone and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.

Cook the Vegetables

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add carrots, celery, and potato, cooking for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure vegetables are uniformly diced for even cooking.

Combine Broth and Vegetables

Add the sautéed vegetables to the ham broth. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Add Green Beans

Stir in the green beans and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Green beans should be tender-crisp, not mushy.

Make Raclette Croutons

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss baguette cubes with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, rub the cubes with a garlic clove before baking.

Add Cheese to Croutons

Sprinkle croutons with grated raclette cheese and return to oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro tip: Watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.

Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with raclette croutons. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of colour.

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Tips & Tricks

Use a good quality ham bone for a rich broth.
Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
Toast croutons until golden for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ham broth instead of a ham bone?

Yes, you can substitute 8 cups of ham broth for the water and ham bone. Adjust seasoning to taste.

How long to simmer the ham bone?

Simmer the ham bone for 30 minutes to extract its flavour.

What temperature for baking croutons?

Bake the croutons at 180°C (350°F) until golden.

How to make croutons extra crispy?

Ensure the baguette cubes are evenly coated in olive oil and bake them until golden.

What cheese can I use instead of raclette?

Gruyère or any good melting cheese can be used in place of raclette for the croutons.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop. It pairs well with a light green salad for a complete meal. This soup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and prepare fresh croutons just before serving.