Warm, hearty, and undeniably comforting, Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is the perfect for any season. Whether you’re cooking for your family or batch-prepping meals for the week, this flavorful recipe is both easy and satisfying.
With a medley of tender beans, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
This soup is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginners. With just minimal effort, you can whip up a pot of flavorful soup that’s bound to impress.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll end up with a rich, aromatic soup that tastes as though it simmered all day.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
To ensure a smooth cooking experience, make sure you have these essential tools on hand. These kitchen items will streamline the process and bring consistency to your results:
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for simmering the soup evenly and without spills.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle: Handy for stirring ingredients and serving your soup.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: These make chopping your vegetables and ham effortless.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ideal for getting just the right balance of seasoning.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer (optional): Rinse canned beans properly if you’re using them instead of dried beans.
With these tools, your cooking process will be smooth and efficient!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ham and bean soup strikes the perfect balance of flavors, and you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 cups diced ham (use leftover ham for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup dried white beans (or 3 cups canned beans, rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
Want to elevate your soup? These ingredients can add a twist to the classic recipe:
- Smoked paprika for additional depth and smokiness.
- Potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Fresh spinach or kale, stirred in at the end for a nutritional boost.
Ham and Bean Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Grab your tools and ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. If you’re using dried beans, soak them in water overnight, or opt for the quick-soak method by boiling them for 1-2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour. Drain and rinse well.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Heat your large stockpot over medium heat. Drizzle the olive oil into the pot, then add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and take on some color. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Ham, Beans, and Seasonings
Stir in the diced ham, beans (dried or canned), dried thyme, and bay leaf. These flavors will impart a delicious depth to your soup.
4. Pour in Broth and Simmer
Add the chicken broth to the pot, and stir everything together. Turn the heat up to medium-high until the broth starts to boil, then reduce to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried beans. If you’re using canned beans, 30-40 minutes should suffice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Adjust Seasonings
Remove the bay leaf once the beans are tender and perfectly cooked. Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. If you want an extra smoky flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, and serve with crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side.
Nutritional Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup
This hearty soup not only tastes delicious but is packed with nutrients! Beans are a powerhouse of fiber, making this meal filling and great for digestion. You’ll also get protein from both the beans and ham, while the fresh veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is a comfort food you can feel good about eating.
Recipe Variations
If you’d like to mix things up, here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable stock instead. You can add extra smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Southern Style: Add some sliced andouille sausage for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Texture: Blend half the soup for a thicker consistency, or stir in heavy cream at the end.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves for a more aromatic broth.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ham and Bean Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Rush the Beans: If using dried beans, take the time to soak and cook them thoroughly. This ensures a tender texture without splitting.
- Use Leftover Ham: The flavor from leftover ham, especially with the bone, makes the broth even more delicious. Don’t forget to simmer the bone if you have one!
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience really pays off when it comes to soup. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors develop.
- Adjust as You Like: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. This is a flexible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Beyond its irresistible flavor, ham and bean soup is versatile, budget-friendly, and meal-prep-friendly. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze portions for up to three months, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up ham from the holidays!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freeze in single portions for quick lunches or dinners. Defrost overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This ham and bean soup recipe delivers rich, smoky, and hearty flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the stovetop or reheating leftovers on a chilly evening, every spoonful is a comforting delight.
Make this recipe part of your rotation and share it with loved ones. You’ll see smiles all around when they take that first bite. Happy cooking!
Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham use leftover ham for extra flavor!
- 1 cup dried white beans or 3 cups canned beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. If you’re using dried beans, soak them in water overnight, or opt for the quick-soak method by boiling them for 1-2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour. Drain and rinse well.
- Heat your large stockpot over medium heat. Drizzle the olive oil into the pot, then add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and take on some color. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced ham, beans (dried or canned), dried thyme, and bay leaf. These flavors will impart a delicious depth to your soup.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, and stir everything together. Turn the heat up to medium-high until the broth starts to boil, then reduce to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried beans. If you’re using canned beans, 30-40 minutes should suffice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf once the beans are tender and perfectly cooked. Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. If you want an extra smoky flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, and serve with crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side.
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Beans: If using dried beans, take the time to soak and cook them thoroughly. This ensures a tender texture without splitting.
- Use Leftover Ham: The flavor from leftover ham, especially with the bone, makes the broth even more delicious. Don’t forget to simmer the bone if you have one!
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience really pays off when it comes to soup. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors develop.
- Adjust as You Like: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. This is a flexible recipe!
