Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to use your ham leftovers in an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This soup comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.
- Nutrient-Packed: Filled with beans, veggies, and lean ham, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for a quick meal later on—ideal for meal prep!
- Perfect Comfort Food: There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of ham and bean soup on a chilly evening.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven pot: This heavy pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking for your soup.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for precise chopping of vegetables, speeding up your prep time.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving consistent flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
Vegetables
- 1 White Onion (chopped)
- 4 Carrots (chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
- 5 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
- 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
Liquids and Flavorings
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
- 64 ounces Chicken Stock
- 14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
Protein
- 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
Seasoning
- Salt – to taste (if needed)
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse dried beans under cold water.
- Cover beans with several inches of water in a large bowl.
- Soak beans overnight; rinse again before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven pot over high heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Add finely chopped garlic; sauté for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add rinsed beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cracked pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 90 minutes.
- Check the consistency of beans; if still firm, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Remove the lid from the pot and add chopped ham and shredded cabbage.
- Cook for another 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Taste soup and add salt as needed (this may vary based on ham’s saltiness).
- Discard bay leaf before serving.
Now you have a delightful Ham and Bean Soup ready to warm you up! Enjoy each spoonful of this hearty dish that beautifully uses your holiday leftovers!
How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Serving your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can elevate the meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some great ideas on how to serve this hearty soup.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty bread complements the soup perfectly. Use sourdough or a baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. This adds color and enhances the flavors of the soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a creamy finish that melts beautifully into the soup.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. Use mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, hollow out small bread loaves and serve the soup inside. This makes for an eye-catching presentation!
Drizzled with Hot Sauce
- If you enjoy some heat, add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to each bowl. This can spice up your meal and add extra flavor!
How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Soak Beans Overnight: This helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.
- Use Quality Ham: Opt for flavorful ham, as it will greatly enhance the overall taste of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt as necessary; some hams can be quite salty on their own.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps blend all the flavors together beautifully.
- Store Properly: Leftover soup can be refrigerated or frozen for future meals, making it convenient for busy days.
Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can create a balanced meal that satisfies everyone. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Easy to prepare and perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw offers crunch and freshness that complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, adding texture to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring added nutrients and color to your dinner plate.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides a creamy contrast that’s delightful alongside warm soup.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying this rich dish, providing natural sweetness.
- Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers add protein and are easy to make ahead of time for gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ham and Bean Soup can be a simple process, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Skipping the Soaking Step – Failing to soak your dried beans can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak them overnight for the best texture.
- Overcooking the Vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they start to soften before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring Seasoning – Not tasting your soup as it cooks might leave it bland. Adjust seasoning gradually, especially based on the saltiness of your ham.
- Using Low-Quality Stock – Poor quality chicken stock can undermine the flavor of your soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality stock for a richer taste.
- Not Checking Bean Consistency – Overlooking the beans’ doneness can result in an undesirable texture. Check them after 90 minutes and continue cooking if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Ham and Bean Soup in airtight containers.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- For long-term storage, freeze your soup in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of beans for Ham and Bean Soup?
Navy beans are often used due to their creamy texture, but Great Northern beans also work well.
Can I make Ham and Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I store leftover Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
What spices enhance my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Italian herbs, garlic powder, and fresh cracked pepper elevate flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham but also a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its warmth on cold winter nights!
Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up with this delicious Ham and Bean Soup, a perfect way to repurpose leftover holiday ham into a hearty, satisfying meal. This easy-to-make soup combines nutrient-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and tender ham in a savory broth that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Ideal for cold winter nights, this dish is not only comforting but also customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch. Best of all, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it anytime you need a quick, nutritious meal. Cozy up with a bowl of this delightful soup today!
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 2–3 cups chopped ham
- 1 white onion (chopped)
- 4 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 64 ounces chicken stock
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the navy beans overnight in water.
- In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat and sauté onion, carrots, celery for 4–5 minutes; then add garlic for an additional minute.
- Add soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 90 minutes, checking bean consistency.
- Stir in chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook for another 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Discard bay leaf before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
