Ham and Greens Soup

Ham and Greens Soup is a hearty, savory soup traditionally made with smoked ham (often a ham hock or leftover ham bone) and leafy greens like collards, kale, or turnip greens. It's a staple of Southern U.S. cuisine, particularly in the Appalachian region, where it was a practical way to use preserved meats and foraged or garden greens. The soup is slow-simmered to develop a rich, smoky broth.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is high in protein and fat from the ham, while being relatively low in carbohydrates. It's an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K from the greens, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. A typical serving contains roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	2500 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin K	90 mcg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this soup is a classic example of 'poor man's' or resourceful cooking, transforming a tough, inexpensive cut of meat and hearty greens into a deeply flavorful and nourishing meal. Nutritionally, the fat from the ham helps the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (like A and K) abundant in the greens.