CATHY'S HAM BONE SOUP

Cathy's Ham Bone Soup image

Provided by Cathy Hurkmans Tolman @cmt49829

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large ham bone with some meat on it
2 can(s) rutabagas ( you can use fresh)
2 cup(s) chopped celery
1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
3 cup(s) carrots, chopped or baby carrots or 2 cans
6 to 8 medium potatoes, cut up
1 large cabbage head ( or 2 small) chopped about 2" pieces
2 can(s) diced stewed tomatoes
3 tablespoon(s) ham soup base or other flavor*
1 gallon and more, water
2 tablespoon(s) parsley flakes

Steps:

simmer ham bone covered in water for a few hours or leave in slow cooker over night on low.
remove ham bone set aside to cool.
add several cups of water to soup pot and add other ingredients. I put the cabbage in 1st so it cooks down and makes room for other stuff. I always add stuff by what takes longest to cook. i.e. fresh rutabaga, raw potatoes , etc..before canned stuff
add seasonings such as salt & pepper , to your own taste, I always add a little at a time , wait a bit then taste to see if more is needed.
remove meat from ham bone & cut to your desired size then add just the meat back into the pot.
set to simmer. wait until all vegetables are fully cooked, I usually simmer on low a couple hours to get all the flavors mixed well.. and...ENJOY !! a big bowl of hearty, healthy, deliciousness.