simple ham and bean soup recipe

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

I love cooking simple ham and bean soup recipe because it’s a comforting and nutritious meal that my family always enjoys. This classic dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and can be customized to suit various tastes.

The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and rich broth is a winning combination that never fails to satisfy our appetites. I first discovered this recipe when I was a young mom trying to feed my hungry kids after school.

It was a lifesaver on busy days when I needed something quick and easy to get on the table. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even more delicious and convenient.

My kids have grown up on this soup, and now they’re asking for seconds just like I did when I was a kid. As a busy mom, I appreciate how this recipe can be adapted for different occasions – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

It’s also an excellent way to get in some essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and folate from the beans and vegetables. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for packing lunches or freezing for later use.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one of your favorites too.

Simple Ham and Bean Soup

Simple Ham and Bean Soup

4.9 from 739 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender beans and savory ham. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.

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

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
4 cups water
1 cup diced ham
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried navy beans and place them in a large pot.
2Cover with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
3Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let the beans soak for 15 minutes.
4This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
5The beans should appear plump and slightly softened.
6While the beans are soaking, chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
7Mince the garlic cloves.
8Set these vegetables aside until needed.
9The onions should be finely chopped and the carrots and celery should be diced into small pieces.
10In the same large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
11Add the diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
12Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the ham from sticking to the pot.
13The ham should be crispy and lightly browned.
14Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot.
15Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
16Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pot.
17The onions should be translucent and the carrots and celery should be tender.
18Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
19Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano.
20Stir well to combine all ingredients.
21The mixture should be slightly thick and the beans should be submerged in the liquid.
22Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
23Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
24Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the pot.
25The beans should be soft and easily mashed with a spoon.
26Season with salt and pepper to taste.
27If the soup is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
28If the soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
29The soup should have a hearty consistency and the flavors should be well combined.
30Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
31Enjoy your simple ham and bean soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before serving. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.

This simple ham and bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. The leftovers are perfect for packing lunches or freezing for later use.

My family loves this soup so much that we often request it at family gatherings. In fact, it’s become a staple at our house that we can’t imagine going without.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Bean Soup

Q: What type of ham is best for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of ham you prefer, but I find that smoked or cured ham works best because of its rich flavor and tender texture.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

A: Yes, you can use canned beans if you prefer, but keep in mind that they may not have the same depth of flavor as dried beans.

Q: How long does this soup take to cook?

A: This soup typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook, depending on the type of beans you use.

Q: Can I add other vegetables besides carrots?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like celery, onions, or potatoes to make the soup more hearty.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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