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Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

BySoha

A truly satisfying bowl of soup should feel like comfort, nourishment, and tradition all in one. This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup delivers exactly that, blending tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables into a rich, soul-warming meal. Crafted with the refinement of an expert chef, this recipe highlights depth of flavor while remaining wonderfully simple to prepare. Whether for weeknight dinners or warming winter evenings, this soup is designed to impress with its rustic elegance.

Ingredients List

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups dried white beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

Add Ham and Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and ham, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute.

Add Beans and Broth

Add the beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Slow Simmer for Richness

Cook until the beans are tender and the broth has thickened. This may take 60 to 90 minutes for dried beans or 25 minutes for canned beans.

Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Cook Time

Approximately 60 to 90 minutes (depending on bean type)

Servings

Serves 6

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Storage Instructions

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth or water if it thickens too much.

Suggestions

  • Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Stir in chopped greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the beans into the broth.
  • Serve with warm cornbread or crusty artisan bread.

Seasonal Relevance

This soup is especially comforting during fall and winter when hearty, warming dishes are most appreciated. However, its balanced, rustic flavors make it a satisfying year-round option for wholesome family meals.

Conclusion

This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup blends time-honored comfort with chef-level refinement, resulting in a deeply flavorful and nourishing bowl. It celebrates simplicity without sacrificing richness, making it a recipe worth returning to time and time again. From its savory aroma to its satisfying texture, this soup embodies everything a comforting home-cooked dish should be.

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
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Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

1920

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

A hearty, comforting ham and bean soup crafted with tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables. Slow-simmered for rich depth of flavor, this rustic yet refined soup is ideal for cozy evenings, family meals, or anytime you need a nourishing, satisfying dish with true homemade character.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced

  • 2 cups dried white beans or 3 cans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and diced ham, cooking briefly to blend flavors.
  • Add beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and broth is rich and thick.
  • Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Stir in spinach or kale for added nutrients.
  • If reheating, thin with broth or water as the soup may thicken over time.

FAQs

Q1. Can I make this soup with leftover holiday ham?
Yes, leftover ham works perfectly and often adds even more flavor due to its seasoning.

Q2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except parsley and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

Q3. Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, navy beans, Great Northern beans, and cannellini beans all work beautifully in this recipe.

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