This Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The rich broth and tender chunks of ham combine with soft potatoes and fresh green beans for a meal that will warm you from the inside out.
This dish is a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or cold winter days. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that will please the whole family.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups ham, diced
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the ham to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the diced potatoes, green beans, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Pour in the milk and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for cooler weather, then look no further than Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup. This delicious soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh green beans in a rich, flavorful broth, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners with the family. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple and quick it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a flavorful homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after the meal.
A Classic Comfort Dish
Ham, potato, and green bean soup is a classic comfort food that brings a sense of nostalgia. Many people grew up with variations of this soup, and it’s a meal that brings people together. There’s something about the combination of ham and potatoes that is incredibly satisfying. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory, slightly smoky flavor of the ham, while the green beans add a fresh, slightly crisp contrast.
This recipe offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures that make it both delicious and comforting. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine through, resulting in a meal that’s satisfying without being overly complicated.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
One of the reasons this soup is so universally loved is its versatility. It’s a fantastic dish for families with different tastes, as it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone but still light enough to keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it to kids, adults, or picky eaters, the flavors and textures in this soup are sure to appeal to a wide range of preferences.
Additionally, this recipe can be easily modified to suit dietary restrictions or preferences. If you’re looking to make it a little lighter, you can reduce the amount of cream or milk used. If you have a vegetarian in your family, you can swap the ham for plant-based protein or omit it altogether for a meatless version.
This soup is also incredibly filling, making it an ideal option for those who need a meal that will keep them satisfied for hours. It’s the perfect dish to serve after a busy day when everyone is craving something hearty and comforting.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another great feature of this soup is that it stores wonderfully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. If you make a large batch, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for later use. This makes it a great option for busy weeks when you need a quick and easy meal to reheat.
Reheating the soup is simple and doesn’t take away from its flavor. In fact, some people even say that the soup tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. So, if you’re looking for a recipe that will give you a hearty meal for several days, this ham, potato, and green bean soup is the way to go.
A Hearty and Balanced Meal
The combination of potatoes, green beans, and ham provides a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables, making this soup a well-rounded and nutritious meal. Potatoes are a great source of fiber and potassium, which are important for heart health, while green beans provide essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Vitamin K. The ham adds protein and a rich, savory flavor that makes the soup feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
This dish is also a great way to get a serving of vegetables in a way that feels like a treat. The green beans add a pop of color to the soup, making it visually appealing, and they bring a slight crunch to each bite, which complements the soft, comforting texture of the potatoes.
Tips for Customizing Your Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup
While the classic version of this soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to elevate the soup and make it your own:
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Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup. The heat will balance out the richness of the ham and potatoes and add a new layer of flavor.
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Use Different Vegetables: While green beans are the star vegetable in this recipe, you can easily swap them for other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. This is a great way to make use of whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.
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Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy soup, consider stirring in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture that’s rich and indulgent.
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Herb Variations: If you love fresh herbs, consider adding thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup as it simmers. These herbs will enhance the overall flavor and give the soup a more fragrant, aromatic quality.
How to Serve Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your soup:
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Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
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Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the soup and add a refreshing contrast.
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Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, on top of the soup before serving adds an extra burst of flavor.
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Pickles: For a tangy kick, serve your soup with some tangy pickles on the side. The acidity cuts through the richness of the soup, providing a perfect balance.
Health Benefits of Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup
While this soup is definitely a comfort food, it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. With the right balance of ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish without overindulging. As mentioned earlier, potatoes provide fiber and potassium, green beans offer essential vitamins, and ham contributes protein. This makes the soup a balanced option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without feeling guilty.
The beauty of this soup is that it’s naturally nutritious without requiring any special ingredients or substitutions. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health benefits – this dish gives you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup is a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal to warm you up on a chilly evening, looking for a dish that the whole family will love, or prepping for a week of easy, delicious lunches, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that will fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied, reach for this Ham, Potato, and Green Bean Soup recipe. Its blend of savory ham, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans in a flavorful broth will undoubtedly make it a staple in your recipe repertoire. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.