easy bean and ham soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
easy bean and ham soup recipe
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The Best easy bean and ham soup recipe

I’ve been making this easy bean and ham soup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender beans, salty ham, and flavorful broth is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s great for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a potluck at work. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this soup can be on the table, giving me more time to focus on other important things. My kids adore this recipe because they know it’s healthy and delicious – they can’t get enough of the protein-rich beans and ham.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables from the fridge. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit my family’s tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same: canned beans, diced ham, chopped onions, garlic powder, and vegetable broth.

I’ve also added some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give it an extra burst of flavor. This soup is more than just a meal – it’s a tradition in our household.

Every time I serve it up, I’m reminded of happy memories with my loved ones. Whether you’re serving this at home or taking it to a potluck, I promise you’ll be the star of the show with this easy bean and ham soup recipe.

Easy Bean and Ham Soup

Easy Bean and Ham Soup

4.7 from 712 votes

This hearty soup combines tender beans and savory ham in a rich broth. It is simple to prepare with pantry staples and makes a satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until aromatic.
4Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot.
5Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
6The carrots should be slightly tender when pierced with a fork.
7Add the cubed ham and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
8Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained beans, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
9Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
10Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
11The beans should be very tender and the flavors well blended.
12Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
13Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
14Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving. You can use leftover ham or a ham bone for extra flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Easy Bean and Ham Soup Works

This easy bean and ham soup recipe has become a staple in our household over the years – not only is it quick and easy to make but also incredibly delicious!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility – serve it hot with some crusty bread for dipping or let it cool completely and serve as a cold side dish at your next gathering.

When storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge will keep your soup fresh for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bean and Ham Soup

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

For this easy bean and ham soup recipe, you can use any type of canned beans you like best – kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans all work well.

Q: Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Sure thing! You can swap out the diced ham for cooked sausage or bacon if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

To keep your soup fresh for longer, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in bulk?

This soup scales up perfectly – just multiply all the ingredients by however many servings you need!

Q: What if I don’t have garlic powder?

No problem! Simply omit the garlic powder or substitute with minced fresh garlic if you prefer.

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