Rutabaga and Ham Soup You Have to Try Once

I’ll be honest: I never took the slightest notice of rutabagas. Then I tried this soup.

Rutabaga and ham soup is definitively one of those multidimensional gems — an entire meal that is wintery and hot but not heavy; that is as restorative as it is delicious; that is as cozy as it is shredded with vitamins.

And here’s why this recipe must be your next one in the kitchen.

What Makes Rutabaga a Superfood?

Nutritional Powerhouse

Amedium rutabaga (386g) has 143 calories, 33g carbs, 9g fiber- nearly 40% of your daily fiber requirement. It’s the naturalway to escape processed carbs. Here’s the kicker: it’sridiculously high in vitamin C (107% DV), potassium (35% DV), and magnesium (18% DV).

Fiber That Works Overtime

That 9g of fiber isn’t onlyfor digestion. Research has connected high-fiber diets to a diminished risk forcolorectal cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Rutabagas also havesome glucosinolates, the antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and may be associated with reducing cancer growth.

Low-Calorie, High-Impact

A mashed cup of rutabaga (240g) willhave 72 calories, 4g of fiber, and 2g of protein. Compare that to mashed potatoes, whichcan easily double the calories and carbs.

Ham’s Role

Protein Punch

The ham contributes 13g fat (3.5g saturated) and34mg cholesterol per serving. It’s salty,to be sure (1,500mg sodium), but the fact is this: a little goes a long way.

Reach for smoked ham hocks or a yesteryear bone to add depth without overdoingit.

The Sodium Debate

High sodium? Absolutely. But balance is key. Pair ham with fibrous veggies (aka rutabaga)to help manage the salt. Your heart —and mouth — will thank you.

Recipe Breakdown

Ingredients That Shine

• Base: Rutabaga, potatoes, onions, celery,garlic.
• Liquid: Chicken stock, oreven just broth.
• Creaminess: Milkor cream (based on blending).
• Flavor Boost Ham bone, bacon or smokedpork hocks.

Winter Veggie Upgrade

Incorporate cabbage, carrots, beans or all ofthe above for additional texture. My favorite twist? 15 bean mix cookedwith the ham bone. It makesit a protein bonanza of a soup.

Step-by-Step Simplicity

1. Sauté onions, celery, garlic.
2. Simmer rutabaga, potaotes, ham bone andBroth for 1 hour.
3. Shred meat from the bone.
4. Purée half the soup for a creamy texture(if desired).
5. Stir in milk or cream.

Pro Tip: Simmer that ham bone forat least an hour. Thecollagen from the bone gives the broth a silky texture.

Nutritional Showdown

Nutrient	Rutabaga (386g)	Ham (per serving)
Calories	143	150-200
Protein (g)	4	High (varies)
Total Fat (g)	0.5	~13
Fiber (g)	9	Low
Vitamin C (%DV)	107%	Low
Potassium (%DV)	35%	Low-Moderate
Sodium (mg)	12	~1,500
Cholesterol (mg)	0	~34

Health Benefits That’ll Make You Rethink Soup

Rutabaga’s Superpowers

• HeartHealth: Potassium is beneficial for maintaining normal blood pressure.
• Immune Boost: 107% DV of vitamin C to help ward offcolds.
• Gut Health: 9g of fiber nourishes healthygut bacteria.

Ham’s Silver Lining

• Protein: For repairing muscle (after a goodworkout!), fiber productive digestion.
• Satiety: Fat and proteinmake you feel full longer.

The Catch? Moderation.

And Ham’s sodium andsaturated fat offer up a lesson in portion control. Think of it as a flavor booster, notthe main attraction.

Why This Soup Belongs in Your Rotation

Budget-Friendly & Versatile

Rutabagascost pittances on the pound. You can also add the luxury of ham bonesor scraps of leftover ham without breaking the bank.

Meal Prep Hero

Make a big batch on Sunday. It’s even better on day two once the flavors have hada chance to meld.

Crowd-Pleaser

Serve it to finicky eaters or foodsnobs. The silky texture and smoky flavor of theham convert all others.

Final Thoughts

The soup is not food — it’s a hug in a bowl. Rutabaga adds the nutrients, ham adds the soul, and together? They’re unstoppable. Give it a try once and you’ll be hankering for it all winter.