Ham And String Bean Soup Recipe

Soup, in its many forms, is a comfort food that transcends cultures and seasons. It’s a warm hug in a bowl-a meal that can be both nourishing and satisfying. One of the simplest yet most delightful combinations is Ham and String Bean Soup. This dish, with its savory ham, tender string beans, and hearty broth, offers a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re dealing with leftover ham from a holiday feast or simply looking for an easy, one-pot dinner, this soup is sure to please.

What makes Ham and String Bean Soup particularly special is its versatility. It’s a rustic dish, inspired by traditional home-cooking, yet it’s so easy to prepare that even novice cooks can master it. With the right balance of protein, vegetables, and seasonings, it creates a deeply satisfying meal. In this post, I’ll walk you through the recipe in detail, share some tips from the pros, and offer variations so you can customize the soup to your liking.

This Ham and String Bean Soup recipe takes just about an hour to make and offers enough servings to feed a family of four comfortably. It’s full of vibrant, fresh ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend meals when you need something quick yet hearty.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:

Ham (2-3 cups, cubed, preferably leftover or from a ham bone)
- Any leftover ham works perfectly for this soup. The smoky, savory flavor adds depth to the broth.
String Beans (about 2 cups, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Fresh string beans (or green beans) are best, but frozen ones will also work if fresh is not available.
Onion (1 medium, diced)
- A simple yellow onion adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Garlic provides that punch of flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced)
- The sweetness of the carrots balances out the savory flavors and adds a nice texture to the soup.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Celery adds a subtle crunch and a fresh flavor that blends perfectly with the other veggies.
Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced)
- Potatoes thicken the broth slightly and give the soup a heartier texture.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)
- The broth is the backbone of the soup, adding richness and liquid to bring everything together.
Bay Leaves (2)
- Bay leaves infuse the soup with a slightly herbal, aromatic flavor.
Thyme (1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- Thyme is a classic herb in soups and stews, lending a warm, earthy note.
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Season the soup to your preference, as ham can sometimes already bring in a bit of saltiness.

Cooking Instructions

Making Ham and String Bean Soup is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it just right:

Prepare The Ingredients

Start by prepping your veggies and ham. Cube the ham, chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes, and trim and cut the string beans into smaller pieces. The better your prep work, the quicker the cooking process will go!
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, and the kitchen smells divine. This step builds the base flavors of the soup.
Add The Vegetables And Ham

Next, add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and ham to the pot. Stir everything together, letting the ingredients mingle for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour In The Broth

Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add The String Beans

Add the string beans into the pot. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the beans are tender and cooked through. You don’t want to overcook them-just enough to maintain their color and texture.
Final Taste Check

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. If it needs more salt or pepper, go ahead and add it now. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve And Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, maybe with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

To make your Ham and String Bean Soup extra special, it’s important to understand why these ingredients work so well together:

Ham: Beyond adding protein, the ham brings a smoky, savory richness that permeates the soup, balancing out the sweetness of the vegetables. If you’re using a ham bone, it will also contribute additional flavor as the marrow breaks down into the broth.
String Beans: These green beans provide a crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes and carrots. Their earthy flavor helps to balance the richness of the ham, and they add a lovely color to the soup.
Broth: Using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth is essential. It’s the liquid base that carries the flavors of the soup, so choose one with rich, deep flavor (homemade if possible!).
Potatoes: These thicken the broth and add a creamy texture without the need for cream or flour. They also make the soup more filling, which is perfect for a hearty meal.

Expert Tips

Use a Ham Bone for Extra Flavor: If you have access to a ham bone, don’t hesitate to use it. The bone will infuse the broth with even more savory depth. Simply toss it in with the broth and veggies, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour before removing.
Fresh Herbs vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the soup, dried herbs like thyme are perfectly fine. If you’re using dried herbs, reduce the amount by about half since they’re more concentrated.
Freezing Leftovers: This soup freezes well! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add beans like cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein, or a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for a touch of acidity.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of Ham and String Bean Soup is a crowd-pleaser, there are countless ways to tweak the recipe to your liking. Here are a few fun variations:

Add Some Greens: Throw in some spinach, kale, or collard greens to add a dose of vitamins and texture.
Spicy Ham and Bean Soup: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tomato-Based Ham Soup: For a twist, add a can of diced tomatoes (with juices) into the mix. The acidity of the tomatoes will balance the rich flavors of the ham.
Creamy Ham Soup: If you’re in the mood for something creamy, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving. This adds a luxurious texture and flavor to the broth.

Final Words

Ham and String Bean Soup is the type of dish that you can make on a whim, but it’s also perfect for those days when you want to cook something cozy and comforting. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity-the flavors meld together naturally, creating a rich and hearty meal. Plus, it’s an incredibly flexible recipe that you can adjust according to what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.

Ham And String Bean Soup Recipe