A warm and comforting soup inspired by traditional German flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Place the smoked ham bone and bay leaves in a large pot and add the water.
Using a smoked ham bone adds a rich, smoky flavor to the broth.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour to extract the flavors.
Keep the pot partially covered to prevent excessive evaporation.
Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut off any meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Be careful when handling the hot ham bone; let it cool enough to handle safely.
Add the chopped ham, onion, celery, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and parsley to the pot.
Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, then simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Taste the soup halfway through cooking and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Pair the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.