Ham and Bean Soup Recipe – A Hearty Comfort Food

Ham and Bean Soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s filled with tender beans, flavorful ham, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, all simmered together in a savory broth. This easy-to-make soup is not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover ham.

Let’s dive into this amazing recipe, which is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or just to warm your soul on a cold evening. 🍖🍲

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

✅ Rich and Hearty – Packed with protein, fiber, and savory goodness.
✅ Perfect for Leftovers – Great way to use leftover ham.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof cooking method.
✅ One-Pot Meal – Less clean-up, more comfort.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make it ahead and freeze for future meals.

🛒 Key Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup

To create the most delicious Ham and Bean Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

🥩 For the Soup Base:

• 2 cups cooked ham – cubed 🐖
• 2 cups dried white beans – such as Great Northern or Navy beans
• 1 onion – diced 🧅
• 2 carrots – peeled and sliced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks – diced 🌱
• 4 cloves garlic – minced 🧄
• 8 cups chicken broth or ham broth 🍗
• 1 bay leaf 🍂
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• Salt and pepper – to taste 🧂

🍅 For the Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley – chopped 🌿
• Crusty bread – for serving 🍞

💡 Substitutions and Variations

• Beans: If you don’t have white beans, you can substitute with pinto beans or black beans for a different flavor.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth or beef broth if you don’t have chicken broth.
• Ham: Leftover ham from a holiday meal works perfectly! You can also use a ham steak or deli ham.
• Add greens: Spinach or kale can be added in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat!

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prep the Beans

1️⃣ Start by rinsing the dried beans in cold water. Remove any debris or stones.
2️⃣ Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water or use the quick-soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
3️⃣ Drain the beans and set them aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Soaking the beans reduces cooking time and helps with digestion.

🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3️⃣ Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

💡 Pro Tip: This step adds depth of flavor to your soup by caramelizing the vegetables.

🍖 Step 3: Add the Ham and Broth

1️⃣ Add the cubed ham to the pot and stir it in with the sautéed vegetables.
2️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth (or ham broth if you have it).
3️⃣ Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

💡 Pro Tip: Use leftover ham bone for extra flavor!

🍲 Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1️⃣ Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
2️⃣ Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
3️⃣ Stir occasionally to make sure the beans don’t stick to the bottom. If the soup gets too thick, add a bit more broth or water.

💡 Pro Tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process for a clearer broth.

🍽️ Step 5: Final Adjustments

1️⃣ Once the beans are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
2️⃣ Remove the bay leaf before serving.
3️⃣ For added freshness, stir in chopped parsley just before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Ham and Bean Soup is filling and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. 🍞
• Topped with Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty finish. 🧀
• On the Side: Serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the meal. 🥗
• With Crackers: Add a few crunchy crackers for an extra bite. 🧃

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
• Slow Cooker: If you’re using a slow cooker, reheat on low for 2-3 hours.

💡 Pro Tip: The flavors of Ham and Bean Soup only get better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use Canned Beans?

Yes! If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute dried beans with 3 cans of drained and rinsed beans. Reduce the cooking time to 30-45 minutes.

2️⃣ Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, absolutely! After sautéing the vegetables and ham, add them to a slow cooker with the broth, seasonings, and soaked beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.

3️⃣ How Do I Make the Soup Thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

4️⃣ Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add potatoes, spinach, kale, or even parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.

5️⃣ How Can I Make This Soup Spicy?

For a little heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the cooking process.

6️⃣ Is Ham and Bean Soup Keto-Friendly?

Traditional Ham and Bean Soup is not keto-friendly due to the beans, which are high in carbohydrates. However, you can substitute the beans with cauliflower or zucchini for a low-carb alternative.

🍲 Conclusion – A Hearty, Comforting Meal

Ham and Bean Soup is one of those recipes that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to meal prep for the week. 🍖🌿 With its hearty, flavorful ingredients, it’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Whether you’re using up leftover ham or making a fresh batch, this recipe is a hit with everyone. Don’t forget to serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy! 😍🍲