great northern bean and ham soup recipe

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

Great Northern bean and ham soup is a classic recipe that never fails to hit the spot. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and rich broth is simply irresistible.

I love how the flavors meld together to create a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a cozy winter night, this soup is sure to warm the heart and fill the belly. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – it’s just as delicious served with crusty bread for dipping as it is paired with a side salad for a light lunch.

And let’s not forget the health benefits: Great Northern beans are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making this soup a nutritious choice for families and individuals alike. My family loves this recipe so much that we often request it on busy weeknights when we need a comforting meal in a hurry. And as an added bonus, the leftovers freeze beautifully, so we can enjoy the benefits of this recipe for days to come.

As an added note, I’ve learned over the years that using Great Northern beans instead of other types of beans makes all the difference in this recipe – their creamy texture and mild flavor are essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. When I’m cooking this soup, I like to use my slow cooker to let all the flavors meld together while I’m busy with other tasks. This way, I can come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal that everyone will love.

I’ve also found that adding some diced veggies like carrots or celery adds extra depth and nutrition to the soup without overpowering its delicate flavor.

Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup

Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup

4.5 from 1569 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender great northern beans and smoky ham. This slow-simmered soup is perfect for a cold day and packed with flavor from aromatic vegetables and herbs.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 pound dried great northern beans, rinsed and picked over
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds smoked ham hock or ham bone with meat
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 cup diced cooked ham (optional, for extra meat)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3Drain and rinse the beans before using.
4Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat until shimmering.
5Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7Place the ham hock or ham bone into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth.
8Add the drained beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper.
9Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
10Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes.
11After 1 hour 30 minutes, remove the ham hock or bone and set it aside to cool slightly.
12Once cool enough to handle, pick off any meat from the bone, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and discard the bone and any fat.
13Return the shredded ham meat to the pot.
14If using, add the diced cooked ham.
15Stir in the salt and continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 30 to 45 minutes, until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
16Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
17Remove the bay leaves before serving.
18Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes after adding the ham and broth. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup Works

This great northern bean and ham soup is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or want something easy to serve at family gatherings.

One thing I love about this recipe is its ability to freeze beautifully – just be sure to label your containers clearly so you know what you’re storing in your freezer.

You can also enjoy reheating leftovers quickly on busy weeknights or whenever you need a nutritious meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup

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

In order to achieve the best results, you should use Great Northern beans – their creamy texture and mild flavor are essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavors.

Q2: Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance – in fact, it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better after being refrigerated overnight.

Q3: Can I use other types of protein instead of ham?

You can definitely experiment with other types of protein in this recipe – some people prefer using bacon or sausage for added smokiness.

Q4: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

No, unfortunately not – since ham is an integral part of the recipe.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers for later?

Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully – just be sure to label them clearly so you know what you’re storing in your freezer.

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