This Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness. Packed with tender beans, smoky ham, and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, this soup makes me feel warm and cozy inside. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover ham—no waste here! Just simmer and enjoy a hearty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried White Beans: Using navy or great northern beans is best for a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, canned beans can work; just rinse them and add them later in the cooking process.
Ham: Leftover ham is perfect here. If you don’t have ham, turkey or even smoked sausage could be tasty alternatives. Or, skip the meat for a vegetarian option, and add more veggies!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds great flavor. For a lighter version, use vegetable broth. You can dilute it with water for a milder taste.
Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery (the holy trinity of soup) create a great base. Feel free to add other veggies you have, like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
How Do You Get Beans to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking beans can be tricky, but soaking them beforehand makes a big difference! It helps with even cooking and ensures they come out tender.
- Rinse beans well and soak them for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Drain and then cook them in fresh water or broth until tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Don’t forget to save some cooking liquid to add flavor to your soup!
Taking these steps keeps your beans soft and flavorful, making your soup deliciously hearty! Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Make Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound dried white beans (such as navy or great northern beans)
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ham and Bean Soup takes about 1 hour for cooking plus some time for soaking the beans (at least 4 hours or overnight). It’s a wonderful recipe that takes a bit of time but rewards you with a hearty and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
Begin by rinsing your dried beans well to remove any debris. Then, soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again before cooking. This helps in achieving tender beans!
2. Cook the Beans:
In a large pot, combine the soaked beans with 8 cups of water or broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the beans cook, grab a separate large soup pot. Heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.
4. Add Garlic and Ham:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and diced ham into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Once the beans are cooked, drain them, making sure to reserve some of the cooking liquid. Add the cooked beans to the pot with the sautéed veggies and ham. Pour in 4 cups of the reserved bean cooking liquid (or broth) and stir to combine everything!
6. Add Flavoring and Simmer:
Add the bay leaves and dried thyme to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Season to Taste:
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and any thyme sprigs you added. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve it with warm crusty bread on the side. Your hearty Ham and Bean Soup is ready for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Ham and Bean Soup that’s perfect for cozy meals anytime!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans. Just drain and rinse them, and add them to the soup in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Ham?
No problem! You can substitute ham with cooked turkey, smoked sausage, or even leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian option. If omitting meat, consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup is excellent for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after sitting. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few seconds. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water and simmer until thickened.
