Easy Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any time of the year, Ham and Bean Soup is the way to go. It’s one of those dishes that not only warms you up but also fills you up without taking hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity – a handful of ingredients combined with some slow-cooked love. Plus, it’s an incredibly flexible recipe, so you can tweak it to fit your personal preferences or clean out your fridge.

Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday feast or starting fresh with a new ham steak, this soup gives you a chance to take humble ingredients and turn them into something hearty and delicious. And the best part? It’s easy! Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe and break it down step by step.

Easy Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

A classic, satisfying recipe that can easily be customized with what you’ve got at home, Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The ham adds a salty, savory depth, while the beans provide creaminess and substance. The slow-cooked vegetables infuse the soup with rich flavors, and all of it comes together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this soul-warming soup:

• Ham (about 2 cups):

  • Leftover ham from a holiday meal or a store-bought ham steak works perfectly.

• Dried beans (2 cups of navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans):

  • These beans are perfect because they absorb the savory flavors of the ham and vegetables as they cook.

• Onion (1 medium, diced):

  • Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the broth.

• Carrots (2, peeled and diced):

  • For a mild sweetness and vibrant color.

• Celery stalks (2, diced):

  • The celery brings a slight crunch and herbal notes to balance the richness of the ham.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

  • Garlic is a must for depth, and it pairs beautifully with the ham.

• Broth (6 cups, chicken or vegetable):

  • Provides the base of your soup. Chicken broth is more common, but vegetable broth works just as well if you want to keep things lighter.

• Bay leaves (2):

  • They’ll infuse the soup with a subtle earthy aroma.

• Thyme (1 tsp dried or a few sprigs of fresh):

  • Thyme is a classic herb pairing for ham and beans, adding a mild earthy flavor.

• Salt and pepper (to taste):

  • Always season to taste, especially since the ham can add a lot of salt on its own.

• Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp):

  • For sautéing the vegetables and getting that perfect caramelization.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Ham and Bean Soup is a straight-forward process that doesn’t take much effort. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish together:

1. Prepare The Beans

   • Soak the beans overnight or do a quick soak method. To quick-soak, bring the dried beans to a boil in a pot of water, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before adding them to the soup.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Ham And Broth

   • Stir in your chopped ham and pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer And Cook

   • Add the soaked beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Season And Serve

   • Once the beans are soft, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a potato masher and stir them back into the soup.

6. Final Touches

   • Before serving, remove the bay leaves and any thyme stems. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your hearty meal.

Ingredient Insights

• Ham

  • The type of ham you use can change the flavor profile of the soup. Smoked ham or a ham hock will impart a deeper, smokier flavor. On the other hand, a leaner ham steak provides a more subtle taste, allowing the beans and vegetables to shine.

• Beans

  • Navy beans are traditional for this recipe because they’re soft, creamy, and perfect for soaking up the flavors in the broth. However, other beans like great northern or pinto work well too – they might have slightly different textures but still contribute a hearty bite.

• Herbs

  • Thyme and bay leaves are classic pairings for ham and bean soup, but feel free to experiment with other herbs. Rosemary or parsley can be a nice addition if you want to change things up.

• Broth

  • The broth is the backbone of your soup, so using a good-quality one is essential. If you’re using canned broth, look for low-sodium versions to control the saltiness, especially if your ham is salty.

Expert Tips

• Leftover Ham

  • If you’ve got leftover ham from a holiday, this soup is the perfect way to repurpose it. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it infuses the soup with extra flavor. If you’re using a bone-in ham, you can toss the bone into the pot while simmering for even more richness.

• Soaking Beans

  • Soaking beans before cooking helps reduce the cooking time and makes them easier to digest. However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to soak them overnight, the quick-soak method works just as well.

• Freezing

  • Ham and Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy!

• Creaminess

  • For an extra creamy texture, you can blend part of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. This will give the soup a smooth, velvety consistency without adding any cream.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version

  • Skip the ham and add extra vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. A smoked paprika or liquid smoke can add that smoky flavor you’d normally get from the ham.

• Spicy Version

  • Add a diced jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. This pairs surprisingly well with the beans and ham.

• Herbaceous Twist

  • Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to change the flavor profile. Fresh cilantro or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

• Beans And Greens

  • Stir in some spinach, kale, or collard greens for an added dose of veggies. They’ll soften as the soup simmers and contribute to a more complex flavor.

Final Words

Ham and Bean Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s flexible enough to accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand, yet it remains comforting and filling every time. Whether it’s the middle of winter or a cozy evening in the fall, this soup can be a weeknight meal or part of a festive spread. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for leftovers.