This Ham and Bean Soup is a cozy hug in a bowl! It’s made with tender beans, bits of ham, and tasty vegetables, simmering to create a hearty dish that warms you up from the inside.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! I just toss everything in the pot and let it cook while I have a little fun with my family. Perfect for chilly days or any soup-loving friend! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried White Beans: Great Northern or Navy beans are perfect for this soup because they hold their shape and add creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you could use canned beans (about 3 cups), rinsed and drained. Just add them towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness!
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for sautéing vegetables, but you can use butter or any neutral oil if you prefer. It adds flavor and helps in sautéing the veggies nicely.
Ham: Any cooked ham works well. If you have a leftover holiday ham, use that! You could also try turkey for a lighter version or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian option, adding more veggies instead.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is a good alternative if you want to keep it meat-free. Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works just fine!
How Can I Ensure My Beans are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beans properly is key to a great soup. Here’s what you can do:
- Soak the beans overnight to soften them and cut down on cooking time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat—simmering gently is crucial. This keeps beans from breaking apart.
- Check for tenderness after an hour, then adjust the cooking time as needed. If using dried beans, they may take anywhere from 1 to 1½ hours.
Keep an eye on the liquid as they cook! Add more broth or water if it gets too thick. Your goal is a comforting, creamy soup with perfectly tender beans.
Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup dried white beans (such as Great Northern or Navy beans), soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ham and bean soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 1 to 1½ hours of cooking time. You can enjoy this cozy meal on a chilly day with minimal effort on your part!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
Start by rinsing and draining the soaked beans. Make sure they are cleaned well, as this will help remove any grit or dirt.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will give your soup a wonderful aroma!
4. Combine Everything Together:
Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together so that the ingredients are well mixed.
5. Cook the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the beans are tender. Make sure to stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more broth or water as needed.
6. Add Ham and Final Touches:
After the beans are tender, add in the diced cooked ham. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes so the flavors can blend together beautifully.
7. Season and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste your soup and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if you’d like.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your hearty Ham and Bean Soup hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful dish!
Can I Use Canned Beans for This Soup?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute with 3 cups of canned white beans (rinsed and drained). Just add them to the soup in the final 15-20 minutes of cooking to heat through.
How Long Will This Soup Keep in the Fridge?
Leftover Ham and Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove.
What Can I Serve with Ham and Bean Soup?
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it alongside sandwiches for a complete meal.