great northern beans with ham recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this recipe for Great Northern Beans with Ham. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The dish originated in the Southern United States, where it was a staple during the Great Depression.

It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like tender Great Northern beans and rich, cured ham. I like to use smoked ham, which adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

The beans are cooked with onion, garlic, and herbs until they’re tender and flavorful. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make – just sauté the aromatics, add in the beans and ham, and let it simmer until everything is heated through. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham or bacon, too.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s so hands-on – they can help with measuring out the ingredients, stirring the pot, and tasting the finished dish. We always have leftovers, which is perfect because this recipe makes a big batch of food that’s perfect for packing into lunches or freezing for later. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main dish or use it as a side.

We like to serve it with cornbread or crusty bread for sopping up all the juices. The health benefits of this recipe are numerous – Great Northern beans are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, while ham provides lean protein and calcium. This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly, which makes it perfect for families or individuals on a tight budget.

Overall, I think you’ll love this recipe as much as we do – it’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make.

Great Northern Beans with Ham

Great Northern Beans with Ham

4.8 from 1585 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender great northern beans and smoky ham. This slow-simmered dish is perfect for a cozy meal and improves in flavor when made ahead.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried great northern beans
8 cups water
1 tablespoon salt

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 meaty ham bone or 1 1/2 pounds ham hocks
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups diced cooked ham

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried great northern beans under cold water and remove any debris.
2Place them in a large bowl, cover with 8 cups of water, stir in 1 tablespoon of salt, and let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before using.
4In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
5Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add the drained beans, ham bone or ham hocks, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
8Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 2 hours.
9The beans should be tender and the meat on the bone should be falling off when done.
10Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot and set aside until cool enough to handle.
11Shred any meat from the bone, discarding fat and bones, and return the shredded meat to the pot along with the diced cooked ham.
12Stir well and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
13Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
14Remove the bay leaves before serving.
15Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 26g

📝Notes

Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and helps them cook evenly. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the ham. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Great Northern Beans with Ham Works

This recipe for Great Northern Beans with Ham is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something hearty to feed your family after a big gathering.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving – just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and cook everything together in one pot.

When storing leftovers, be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them; this will help prevent bacterial growth and keep your food safe to eat later on.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Great Northern Beans with Ham

What type of beans should I use?

Great Northern beans are the best choice for this recipe because they hold their shape well after cooking and have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky ham.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! You can use other types of white beans like cannellini or navy beans if you prefer.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?

No! To preserve the texture of the beans and prevent them from becoming mushy, reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

What if I don’t have any Great Northern beans?

No worries! You can substitute other types of white beans like cannellini or navy beans if you prefer.

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