There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. This ham and bean soup recipe is the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted. So curl up with a blanket and enjoy a steaming bowl of this delicious soup.

What Is Ham and Bean Soup?

Ham and bean soup is a hearty, filling soup that is perfect for a winter meal. The beans provide protein and fiber, while the ham adds flavor and depth. You can make ham and bean soup with any type of beans, but most recipes call for white beans or navy beans. You can also spice the dish up with additional seasonings, such as garlic, onion, black pepper, and cumin.

People typically serve ham and bean soup with some bread, such as a crusty baguette or cornbread. However, you can also top it with shredded cheese or croutons for extra flavor. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or a comforting bowl of soup on a cold day, Ham and Bean Soup is sure to hit the spot.

Basic Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ham and bean soup is pretty darn easy to make. Here's a go-to recipe for a delicious and satisfying ham and bean soup.

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins

1 hr

Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb dry navy beans
• 1 ham bone or ham hock
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by soaking a pound of dried navy beans in water overnight. 
• Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to a large pot with 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. 
• Dice one onion and one carrot, and add them to the pot along with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about an hour or until the beans are tender.
• Cut up one ham steak into small cubes and add it to the soup. Cook for another 10 minutes before serving hot with crusty bread on the side.

Tips and Tricks for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your soup just doesn’t turn out quite right. Whether it’s too watery, too thick, or just not flavorful enough, we’ve all been there. But don’t despair. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be making delicious, hearty ham and bean soup that will warm you from the inside out.

Use Fresh Ingredients

The key to making a great ham and bean soup is to start with high-quality ingredients. That means using a good ham bone or ham hock, fresh beans (canned beans will work in a pinch), and plenty of fresh veggies.

Soak Your Beans

If you use dried beans in your soup, it’s essential to soak them overnight before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming hard or mushy. Place the beans in a large pot or bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight.

Add Ham Hocks

Ham hocks are a great way to add flavor to your soup. They can be found pre-packaged at most grocery stores, or you can ask your butcher to save some for you. Just be sure to remove them before serving, as they can be quite tough.

Simmer

Let the soup simmer for at least an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

Don’t Overcook

Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of bite to them. Overcooked vegetables will make the soup mushy.

Add Aromatics

Add aromatics to the soup while it’s cooking. A few cloves of garlic, a diced onion, a bay leaf, and some chopped celery will give the soup a flavor boost.

Add Veggies

Add some vegetables to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Good options include carrots, celery, potatoes, and kale.

Use Leftover Ham Bones

If you have any leftover ham bones from a previous meal, use them in your soup. The bones add tons of flavor and make it extra hearty. You will only need to remove any meat from the bone and add it to the pot. Then, toss in the bone for extra flavor.

Season Your Soup to Taste

Be sure to taste your soup as it’s cooking, and add salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. In doing so, you ensure that your soup has the perfect flavor.

Consider Mashing Your Beans

For a thick, creamy soup, mash some beans before adding them to the pot. This will help thicken the soup without making it too heavy.

Top it Off

Make your soup tastier with additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon. You can personalize your soup with whatever you like for some added deliciousness.

Nutrition Information of  Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is a hearty, satisfying meal that is also packed with nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron. Plus, beans are low in calories and fat.

Ham is a good source of protein and provides several essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, phosphorus, and zinc.

Combined, these two ingredients make for a filling and nutritious soup. You can easily customize ham and bean soup to your liking. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or tomatoes can boost the vitamin content, while swapping out the ham for chicken or turkey will provide a leaner source of protein.

No matter how you make it, ham and bean soup is a delicious way to get all the nutrients your body needs.

Final Thoughts About Bean and Ham Soup

Making ham and bean soup is easy with this recipe and tips and tricks. Gather your ingredients, soak your beans ahead of time, use ham hocks for more flavor, and season your soup to taste. With this recipe, you’ll be sure to make the perfect pot of ham and bean soup that will warm you up on a cold winter night.