There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of Homemade Ham and Bean Soup. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, a satisfying combination of savory ham, tender beans, and rich broth. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy meal for your family or impress your guests with something simple but full of flavor, this soup has got you covered. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-meaning you can tweak it to your liking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor, which comes from slow cooking and letting the ingredients meld together. It’s a dish that has roots in many cultures, each with their own spin, but it all starts with one essential concept: combining a smoky, salty ham with soft, creamy beans.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the best homemade ham and bean soup from scratch-from the ingredients to the cooking techniques. By the end of it, you’ll be ready to make a batch of your own, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of this comforting dish.
Homemade Ham And Bean Soup Recipe
A classic dish that can easily be made from scratch, this homemade ham and bean soup recipe is full of flavor and so satisfying. Whether you’re using leftovers from a holiday ham or starting fresh, it’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy on cold evenings.
Ingredients Needed
To make this hearty ham and bean soup, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Ham: A ham bone (with a little meat attached) or diced ham chunks.
- Beans: Typically, white beans like Great Northern, navy beans, or cannellini beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use a mix of beans for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots. These aromatics provide the foundational flavor for the broth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, for a touch of earthiness.
-
Herbs And Spices
- Bay leaves: For an added depth of flavor.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the ham.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, but be careful with the salt-ham is already salty.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth serves as the base. If you have a ham bone, you can use the leftover liquid from that to really infuse the soup with flavor.
- Olive oil: To sauté the vegetables and get that caramelized, rich base flavor.
Cooking Instructions
-
Prepare The Ingredients
- Dice the ham into bite-sized cubes if you’re using leftover ham.
- Rinse and drain the beans if you’re using dried ones (or soak them overnight to reduce cooking time).
- Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
-
Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and aromatic-about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the broth (either chicken or vegetable), and stir in the ham, beans, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are soft and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally, and check the beans for doneness.
-
Season And Adjust
- Once the beans are tender and the broth has reduced slightly, season the soup with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
-
Final Touches
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup. This will help thicken the broth without losing the bean texture.
-
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose, contributing both flavor and texture to the overall dish. Let’s break it down:
- Ham: The star of the show. The smoky, salty nature of ham infuses the soup with a richness that is hard to replicate. Using a ham bone can add extra flavor, as the marrow and fat in the bone will slowly melt into the broth, making it even more savory.
- Beans: Beans are not only filling but also add a creamy, soft texture that balances out the saltiness of the ham. They soak up all the lovely flavors from the broth, giving each bite a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add sweetness and earthiness to the soup. The natural sugars in carrots help counterbalance the saltiness of the ham, while celery gives the soup a light, slightly bitter crunch.
- Herbs: The thyme and bay leaves are subtle, allowing the ham and beans to shine, but they provide that background herbal complexity that makes this soup so comforting.
- Garlic: Adds depth and an almost savory umami quality, enriching the entire flavor profile of the soup.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to make sure your ham and bean soup is as delicious as possible:
- Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday or a recent meal, this is a great way to repurpose it. The more flavorful the ham, the more depth it will bring to the soup.
- Be Mindful of Salt: Ham can be quite salty, so be careful when adding extra salt. Taste the soup before seasoning.
- Add a Dash of Vinegar: If you feel the soup needs a little brightness or tang, try adding a teaspoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar right before serving. It helps balance the richness.
- Use Homemade Broth: Homemade broth (especially if you use a ham bone to make it) will elevate this soup by adding a layer of homemade, wholesome flavor.
- Allow It to Rest: Soup always tastes better the next day! Let it rest in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is classic and comforting, feel free to make it your own. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Ham and Bean Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. You can even toss in some smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham altogether and opt for vegetarian broth. You could also add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to add flavor and texture.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a healthy, hearty twist. The greens will wilt down nicely and add a pop of color.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a diced sweet potato or a few tablespoons of maple syrup to introduce a sweet element to the soup.
Final Words
Homemade Ham and Bean Soup isn’t just a meal-it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, creates memories, and offers a much-needed sense of comfort on those cold nights. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; you can make it with just a few pantry staples, but it still tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for a cozy dinner, you can’t go wrong with a warm bowl of this soup.