Ham and Bean Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Classic 🥣🌿✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for soup recipes ham that are nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for using leftover ingredients, then look no further than this Ham and Bean Soup. This healthy ham soup recipe is a comforting way to enjoy the rich flavors of ham combined with hearty beans, making it one of the best ham dishes to add to your collection. Whether you’re after easy one-pot soup recipes with ham or traditional bean soups with ham, this dish hits all the marks. It’s also a fantastic mediterranean-inspired option and a perfect choice for leftover country ham recipes. This article explores every step to make this leftover ham soup crockpot a staple in your recipe arsenal.
2. Ingredients – Make Your Ham Soup Shine
- 1 lb cooked ham, diced (preferably leftover ham)
- 2 cups dried beans (navy, cannellini, or kidney beans), soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley and a splash of hot sauce for serving
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Prepare Ham and Bean Soup
3.1. Prepare the Beans
Begin by soaking your beans overnight in water. This step helps soften them and reduces cooking time, making your bean soups with ham tender and flavorful.
3.2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic later, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3.3. Add the Ham and Beans
Stir in the diced ham and soaked beans. Pour in the 8 cups of broth, add bay leaves and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3.4. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. For a hands-free approach, try this leftover ham soup crockpot method for even more convenience.
3.5. Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust the seasoning. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
4. Storage Tips & Leftover Ideas for Ham Soup
This ham soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers, and for longer storage, freeze in individual portions. To reheat, simply warming in a pot or microwave preserves the flavors and texture. Explore more soup storage tips and leftover recipes for creative ideas.
5. Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve your ham and bean soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a dash of hot sauce for added zest. For a twist, add a splash of cream or incorporate seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach. These adjustments help craft the easy one-pot recipes with ham that suit your taste. Looking for complementary beverages? Try pairing with a refreshing Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for cool drinks or a warm cup of coffee from KitchenAid’s classic stand mixer coffee attachment.
6. Why Choose Ham and Bean Soup?
This healthy ham recipe is not only easy to make but also loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It stands out as a nutritious vegetable-based dish that supports balanced eating. Plus, it uses leftovers effectively, making it an economical and sustainable choice for busy weeknights.
7. Additional Leftover Ham Recipes to Explore
If you love this ham recipes soup, consider trying other creative dishes like kielbasa potato soup or Mediterranean soups. For baking enthusiasts, check out pumpkin pie macarons or pumpkin cinnamon scones for a sweet finish.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Bean Soup
What are the benefits of making soup with leftover ham?
Utilizing leftover ham in soups like this ham and bean soup helps reduce waste, enhances flavor, and creates a hearty, nutritious meal. It’s an economical way to get maximum enjoyment from your leftovers.
Can I make this ham and bean soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! In fact, this leftover ham soup crockpot variation allows you to set it and forget it, simmering all day for tender beans and infused flavors. Perfect for busy days!
What variations can I add to this ham and bean soup?
You can customize your soup by adding greens like spinach or kale, substituting different beans, or including spices such as smoked paprika or bay leaves for extra depth. For more flavor ideas, check our vegetable soup recipes.
9. Conclusion
In summary, this ham and bean soup combines simple ingredients into a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its flexibility, nutritional benefits, and easy preparation make it a standout choice among soup recipes ham. Whether you’re repurposing leftover ham or simply craving a hearty bowl, this healthy ham soup will surely become a favorite. For additional kitchen tools and accessories to elevate your cooking, consider exploring options like the Ninja SLUSHi Drink Maker or Cuisinart cookware set. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe with ham in it with family and friends—happy cooking!
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Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, nourishing, and delicious classic dish that’s perfect for using leftover ham. Made with tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, this soup offers a comforting and wholesome meal ideal for cool evenings or meal prep. Easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, it’s a go-to recipe for a satisfying dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked ham, diced (preferably leftover ham)
- 2 cups dried beans (navy, cannellini, or kidney beans), soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley and a splash of hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Begin by soaking your beans overnight in water. This step helps soften them and reduces cooking time, making your bean soups with ham tender and flavorful.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic later, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced ham and soaked beans. Pour in the 8 cups of broth, add bay leaves and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. For convenience, try making it in a slow cooker.
- Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust the seasoning. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and makes them more digestible.
- You can replace dried beans with canned beans for quicker preparation—just add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American