Name: Hearty Ham Bean Soup: 8 Comforting Ingredients to Try
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups ½”-diced carrots; 1½ cups ½”-diced yellow onion; 1 cup ½”-diced celery; 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 4 cups ½”-diced smoked ham (about 20-22 ounces total); 1 each smoked ham bone; 3 cans (15.8 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed very well; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary; 2 dried bay leaves; ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt, more or less, to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Ham Bean Soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul on chilly nights. This hearty, lightly creamy soup is loaded with smoky ham, white beans, and fresh veggies, making it an easy, cozy one-pot meal. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious dinner option or a way to use leftover ham, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Bean Soup

This Ham Bean Soup is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort. It’s loaded with protein, making it a filling meal. The combination of beans and ham provides a savory depth that’s incredibly satisfying. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can make variations like a smoked ham and bean soup or vegetable ham and bean soup. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare, taking just under 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Hearty Ham Bean Soup: 8 Comforting Ingredients to Try - Ham Bean Soup - main visual representation

Ingredients for Ham Bean Soup

Gather these items:

¼ cup unsalted butter
2 cups ½”-diced carrots
1½ cups ½”-diced yellow onion
1 cup ½”-diced celery
4 large cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
4 cups ½”-diced smoked ham (about 20-22 ounces total)
1 each smoked ham bone
3 cans (15.8 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed very well
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
2 dried bay leaves
½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt, more or less, to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Ham Bean Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set a 6-quart soup pot over medium/medium-low heat. Add butter; let melt.
Step 2: Stir carrots, onion, and celery into melted butter. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Add chicken stock, diced ham, and ham bone. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Turn heat up to medium-high and bring just to a light boil, stirring regularly. Once lightly boiling, immediately turn heat down to medium-low/low and stir in the beans, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Step 5: Let soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. A longer simmer adds flavor to the broth and some thickening power from the collagen in the ham bone.
Step 6: Taste test and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham Bean Soup

Keep these in mind:

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It freezes well for up to 3 months.
For a low-sodium ham and bean soup, use low-sodium stock and limit added salt.
Consider adding potatoes for a ham bean soup with potatoes variation for extra heartiness.

Best Ways to Serve Ham Bean Soup

There are delightful ways to enjoy this soup. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal, or pair it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a cozy touch, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving. You could also try variations like navy bean and ham soup or split pea and ham soup for a different taste experience.

How to Store and Reheat Ham Bean Soup

To store your Ham Bean Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This makes it a great option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Bean Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Ham Bean Soup?

The secret lies in allowing the soup to simmer long enough to meld the flavors. Using a smoked ham bone adds depth and richness, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying.

Can I make Ham Bean Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making Ham Bean Soup ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even more. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Bean Soup?

To avoid common pitfalls, be sure not to over-salt the soup initially; you can always adjust the seasoning later. Also, ensure that you rinse the beans well to remove excess sodium and preservatives.

Variations of Ham Bean Soup You Can Try

For those looking to switch things up, consider these variations: add some leafy greens for a vegetable ham and bean soup, try a slow cooker ham bean soup for convenience, or even make a ham and bean stew by thickening the broth with a bit of flour. Each variation offers a unique twist while keeping the essence of this comforting dish!

For more tips on meal prep, check out this guide. If you’re interested in low-sodium options, you can learn more here. Also, consider checking out this article for additional variations on bean soups.