homemade ham bean soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade ham bean soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this homemade ham bean soup recipe with you. This hearty, comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up on a chilly evening or a filling option for a family gathering, this recipe delivers. The combination of tender beans, rich ham flavor, and aromatic spices is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

I’ve shared this recipe with friends and family, and everyone raves about it. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and adding their favorite toppings.

As for the health benefits, this soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and effort.

In fact, I often make a big batch on the weekend and freeze it for later use. This way, we can enjoy a quick and satisfying meal whenever we need it.

Homemade Ham Bean Soup

4.6 from 1560 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with ham, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a cold day, this soup is easy to make and full of flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb dried beans (such as navy or great northern beans)
8 cups water
1 lb ham bone or ham hock
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley
Grilled cheese sandwiches

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans and place them in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2Cover with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3Reduce heat to medium and let the beans simmer for 10 minutes.
4Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
5Add the ham bone or ham hock to the pot.
6Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
7Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
8The beans should be soft and easily mashable with a fork.
9Remove the ham bone or ham hock from the pot.
10Shred the meat from the bone and set the meat aside.
11Discard the bone.
12Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot with the beans.
13Stir to combine.
14Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
15Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
16Stir well to combine.
17Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
18Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
19Add the shredded ham back into the soup.
20Stir well to combine.
21Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
22The soup should have a rich, savory flavor with a good balance of salt and pepper.
23Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
24Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
25Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side if desired.
26The soup should have a thick and hearty consistency, with tender beans and vegetables in a flavorful broth.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use canned beans to save time, but soak them first and drain before adding to the soup. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach to the soup if desired.

This homemade ham bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in with loved ones. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat as needed and serve hot over crusty bread or with some crusty cornbread on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Bean Soup

What type of ham is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a boneless ham steak or diced ham from a quality butcher or grocery store. Avoid using canned ham or processed meats, as they can add unnecessary preservatives and artificial flavorings.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans if you prefer. Simply soak them overnight and cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the soup.

How long does it take to cook the soup?

Cooking time will vary depending on whether you use canned or dried beans. If using canned beans, the soup should be ready in about 30 minutes. If using dried beans, cooking time will be around 1-2 hours.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

What’s the best way to reheat this soup?

You can reheat this soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, bring the soup to a simmer over low heat until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, heat in short intervals until warmed through.

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