Are you looking for a hearty and delicious soup recipe? Look no further than Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup! Packed with flavorful ham, tender noodles, and nutritious vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, at only 160 calories per cup, it's a guilt-free indulgence.

But this soup isn't just tasty—it's also packed with nutrients. With a variety of vegetables like carrots and celery, it's a great way to boost your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. In fact, one cup of this soup provides 25% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin A and 15% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin C.

In this article, we'll explore how to make this delicious soup, along with some tips and variations to make it your own. So let's get started!

Recipe for Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

To make Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

The ingredients you will need for this recipe are:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information for Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

One cup of Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup contains the following nutrients:

• calories: 160
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 25% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 3% DV
• Iron: 5% DV

How to make Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

Now that you have your ingredients, let's make some soup!

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped carrots and celery, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
3. Add the diced potato, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and ground cumin, and stir to combine.
4. Add the chicken broth and diced ham, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Add the cooked egg noodles, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for making Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup:

• If you don't have ham on hand, you can substitute cooked chicken or turkey.
• Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available. Other great options include zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet potato.
• For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño.
• If you like a thicker soup, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans, or use more potatoes.

Variations of Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations on this classic soup recipe:

• Add some sliced mushrooms for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Try using different types of noodles, like rice noodles or udon noodles.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.
• For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Serving ideas for Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

This soup is a meal in itself, but if you're looking to make it even heartier, try serving it with any of these delicious sides:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• A side salad with homemade dressing
• Roasted vegetables
• Cornbread muffins
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

Storage instructions for Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

This soup makes great leftovers! Here's how to store it:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, simply microwave in a microwave-safe bowl or heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.

Health benefits of Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients! Here are just a few of the health benefits it provides:

• The vegetables in this soup provide numerous vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.
• Ham is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and zinc.
• Chicken broth is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, and may help boost your immune system.
• Egg noodles are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy.

History of Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup

While the exact origins of this soup are unclear, variations of ham and vegetable soup are found in cuisines all around the world. This particular recipe adds a Puerto Rican twist with the addition of cumin and oregano, and the use of cooking ham. Regardless of its roots, Puerto Rican Style Ham, Noodle and Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that's sure to warm you up on a chilly day.