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Lemony Ham & Rice Soup

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Submitted by arkendale

Lemony ham and rice soup made in the microwave in just 20 minutes. A quick one-dish meal using canned chicken rice soup, chopped ham, lemon juice, and nutmeg.

YIELD

1 servings

PREP

10 min

COOK

10 min

READY

20 min

This ham and rice soup is a microwave shortcut that delivers real flavor in 20 minutes flat. Canned chicken and rice soup gets a serious upgrade with chopped cooked ham, fresh lemon juice, sautéed green onions, and a grating of nutmeg. The result tastes homemade even though the base came from a can.

The lemon juice is the move that makes this work. It cuts through the saltiness of the canned soup and the richness of the ham, adding a brightness that lifts the whole bowl. Without it, this would taste like canned soup with ham thrown in. With it, it tastes intentional.

A tablespoon of flour stirred into the sautéed green onions thickens the broth slightly, giving it a more velvety consistency than the thin, watery texture straight from the can. The nutmeg sprinkled on top at the end adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs surprisingly well with ham and lemon.

This is a one-or-two-serving recipe, making it ideal for a quick solo lunch or a light dinner when you don’t want to dirty every pot in the kitchen.

Kitchen Tips

  • Stir every few minutes during microwaving to distribute heat evenly. Microwaves create hot spots, and unstirred soup can scorch in some areas while staying cool in others.
  • Use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or any cooked ham you have on hand. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly.
  • Add the lemon juice before cooking so the flavor melds into the broth. Adding it after gives a sharper, more raw citrus taste.
  • Grate fresh nutmeg if possible. The difference between fresh and pre-ground is dramatic in a simple dish like this.

Variations

  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or chopped spinach for color and extra vegetables.
  • Replace the lemon juice with a squeeze of lime and add a pinch of cumin for a Southwestern twist.
  • Use leftover turkey instead of ham for a post-Thanksgiving soup.

Ingredients

¼ 59
CUP ML SCALLIONS, SPRING OR GREEN ONIONS
with tops, sliced
1 15
TABLESPOON ML BUTTER
2 30
TABLESPOONS ML ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
1 1
1 1
SOUP CAN SOUP CAN WATER *
½ 118
CUP ML HAM
fully cooked, chopped *
1 15
TABLESPOON ML LEMON JUICE
1 1
DASH DASH NUTMEG
grated *

Directions

In 1½ quart casserole, combine green onion and margarine.

Microwave in casserole until tender on High, about 1½ minutes.

Stir in flour, soup, water, ham and lemon juice.

Microwave, covered for 8 minutes more.

Stir every few minutes.

Sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

* not incl. in nutrient facts Arrow up button

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 17g (0.6 oz)
Amount per Serving
Calories 41 63% from fat
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 21mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Sugars g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 5%
Calcium 1% Iron 2%
* based on a 2,000 calorie diet How is this calculated?
Low Fat, Low Cholesterol, Trans-fat Free, Low Carb, Sugar-Free, Very low in sodium, Low Sodium
 

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