Ham and Bean Soup

This Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beans, smoky ham, and a flavorful broth. The vegetables add a nice crunch, and the savory spices bring everything together in a satisfying bowl of goodness.

Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a filling, wholesome meal, this soup is an easy way to serve up delicious warmth to your family. The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. It’s a no-fuss, hearty dish that’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ham, diced

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups dry navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to get lightly browned.

5. Add the chicken broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to low and add the soaked navy beans. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. Remove bay leaves and discard. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Ham and Bean Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

Ham and bean soup is one of those timeless dishes that seems to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a chilly evening or looking to make a meal that can feed a crowd, this dish fits the bill. With its tender ham, creamy beans, and a deliciously rich broth, it’s no wonder that this soup has become a staple in many households. In this article, we’ll dive into the deliciously comforting world of ham and bean soup, exploring its history, benefits, and how to make the most of this versatile dish.

The History of Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is a dish that dates back centuries, with origins that can be traced to various regions around the world. The concept of combining legumes with ham or pork is an age-old practice, designed to create a filling and nutritious meal. The roots of this dish can be found in many cultures, where beans are a staple ingredient. In the United States, ham and bean soup became especially popular during the Great Depression, a time when families had to stretch their food supplies to feed everyone. By using inexpensive ingredients like dried beans and leftover ham, families could make a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved with different regions adding their own touches, from incorporating various herbs and spices to making it a bit heartier with added vegetables. However, the core of the dish remains the same—beans and ham cooked together in a flavorful broth.

Why You Should Make Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly practical. For one, it’s made with easily accessible ingredients. Whether you have leftover ham from a holiday meal or simply want to pick up some dried beans, this soup is straightforward to prepare and budget-friendly.

Another reason to make this soup is its versatility. You can use different types of beans depending on your preference, such as navy beans, great northern beans, or even black beans. Likewise, if you don’t have ham on hand, you could swap it out for a smoked turkey leg or sausage for a similar depth of flavor. The seasoning in this soup is simple but allows for customization. Whether you prefer a little extra kick with some hot sauce or a more herbaceous flavor with rosemary and thyme, the ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste.

What makes this soup particularly appealing is how well it stores. Like many soups and stews, ham and bean soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or making in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.

The Nutritional Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup

This hearty soup is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and support heart health. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, folate, and potassium. Adding ham to the mix provides a good source of protein, B vitamins, and other minerals like zinc and selenium, which support immune function and overall well-being.

While this soup is nutritious, it’s also important to keep portion sizes in mind, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. However, when made with lean ham or even turkey, this soup can still be a healthy and satisfying choice. If you want to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and rinse the beans before cooking.

Tips for Making the Perfect Ham and Bean Soup

1. Soak the Beans: One of the most important steps in making ham and bean soup is soaking the beans. Dried beans need to be soaked overnight to help soften them and reduce cooking time. If you forget to soak them, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before cooking.

2. Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal or a roast, this soup is a great way to use it up. The smoky, savory flavor of the ham infuses the soup, making it even more delicious. You can also use ham hocks or smoked ham bones, which add even more richness to the broth.

3. Cook Low and Slow: For the best flavor, let the soup simmer on low heat for a few hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and makes the beans tender and creamy. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process with a pressure cooker or slow cooker.

4. Customize with Vegetables: Ham and bean soup is the perfect dish to sneak in extra vegetables. While the recipe traditionally calls for onions, carrots, and celery, you can add other veggies such as spinach, kale, or potatoes for added texture and nutrients.

5. Season to Taste: The beauty of ham and bean soup is that it can be seasoned to your preference. Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, and don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to taste. A little dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika can add a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.

6. Let It Rest: As with many soups, ham and bean soup tastes even better the next day. If possible, let the soup rest in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This allows the flavors to deepen and gives the beans more time to absorb the broth.

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences. For a traditional presentation, serve the soup in a bowl with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top can also add a nice finishing touch.

If you’re serving the soup for a larger crowd, you might want to consider pairing it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Ham and bean soup is also delicious when served with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Conclusion

Ham and bean soup is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying it with family on a cozy evening at home or serving it at a gathering. Not only is it a great way to use up leftover ham, but it’s also an affordable and healthy meal that can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a meal for just yourself, ham and bean soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that never goes out of style. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste, experiment with different vegetables, and adjust the seasoning to create a soup that’s uniquely yours. So next time you’re in need of something filling and delicious, give this classic recipe a try—you won’t regret it!