great northern bean soup with ham recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best great northern bean soup with ham recipe

Great Northern Bean Soup with Ham is a hearty and comforting dish that has been a staple in many American households for generations. It’s a simple yet flavorful soup that is made with navy beans, ham, and vegetables, which are simmered together in a rich and savory broth.

The soup is often served as a main course or as a side dish, and it’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

My family also loves it because it’s filling and nutritious, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or after-school snacks. The key to making this soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to cook the beans until they are tender.

This will result in a soup that is full of flavor and texture, with a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

In fact, I’ve even been known to make it on a regular basis during the winter months when we’re looking for something comforting and satisfying. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.

This makes it an excellent choice for busy families or individuals who want a quick and easy meal option without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Great Northern Bean Soup with Ham

4.8 from 1435 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring Great Northern beans, ham, and a blend of aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cold day, this soup is easy to prepare 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 Base

1 lb Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 lb ham, diced
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine the soaked and drained Great Northern beans, diced ham, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
2Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
3Add the chicken broth and water to the pot, then stir in the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
4Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
5Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7Use a ladle to serve the soup into bowls, and garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
8Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
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: For added flavor, you can use smoked ham or ham hock. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the beans before adding them back to the pot.

I always have great success with this recipe whenever I serve it at family gatherings or special occasions.

The combination of flavors from the ham, vegetables, and navy beans creates a truly unique taste experience that everyone loves.

One tip I would like to share is that you can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Great Northern Bean Soup with Ham

Q1: What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

A1: You can use either Great Northern beans or Navy beans for this recipe. Both types of beans will produce a delicious and hearty soup.

Q2: Can I use other types of meat instead of ham?

A2: Yes, you can use other types of meat such as bacon or sausage if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the soup may change slightly depending on the type of meat used.

Q3: How long does it take to cook the beans?

A3: The cooking time for the beans will depend on their age and whether they have been soaked beforehand. Generally speaking, unsoaked Great Northern beans will take around 1 hour to cook while soaked ones will take around 45 minutes.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date it was frozen so you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored in the freezer.

Q5: What are some good accompaniments to serve with this soup?

A5: Some good accompaniments to serve with this soup include crusty bread, croutons or crackers for added texture, or even some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.

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