Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to transform your ham leftovers into an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold winter day, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this hearty soup will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the beans, it makes a wholesome meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand; this soup is all about flexibility.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s a great way to utilize leftover ham, reducing waste while creating something delicious.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—it reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment will help you prepare this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning; it retains heat well.
- Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables, making prep faster.
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
Vegetables
- 1 White Onion, (chopped)
- 4 Carrots, (chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
- 5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
- 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
- 64 ounces Chicken Stock
- 14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
Meat
- 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
Miscellaneous
- Salt – to taste (if needed)
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse dried navy beans under cold water.
- Cover them with several inches of water in a large bowl.
- Soak the beans overnight; then rinse again before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven pot over high heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 90 minutes. Check the consistency of beans; if they are still firm, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage
- Remove the lid from the pot and add chopped ham and shredded cabbage.
- Cook for another 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Taste before adding salt; adjust as necessary based on the saltiness of your ham.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
This comforting Ham and Bean Soup Recipe serves approximately eight people—a delightful addition to any gathering or a cozy meal at home!
How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Serving Ham and Bean Soup is a delightful experience, perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends. This hearty dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it even more appealing.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread – The tanginess of sourdough complements the soup’s flavors beautifully. Serve warm, toasted, or fresh.
- Garlic Bread – A crunchy garlic bread adds a delicious twist and enhances the overall comfort food vibe.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crispy croutons create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette provides a crunchy texture that balances the rich soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Green Onions – Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and crunch that enhance each spoonful.
With Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, savory layer that elevates the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheddar into the soup brings creaminess and a comforting taste.
How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Ham and Bean Soup, consider these tips.
- Soak Beans Overnight – This helps soften the beans, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
- Use Quality Stock – A good chicken stock adds depth; homemade or low-sodium varieties are great choices.
- Adjust Seasoning Wisely – Taste before adding salt; leftover ham can vary in saltiness, affecting your final flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow – Simmering on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping beans tender.
- Add Vegetables at Different Stages – For varied textures, add heartier vegetables earlier than softer ones like cabbage.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the soup to sit enhances flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Ham and Bean Soup enriches the meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly; serve it warm for best results.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add earthy flavors that go well with the soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the rich broth of the soup.
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter make an excellent side for this hearty meal.
- Coleslaw – The crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup’s richness.
- Biscuits – Flaky biscuits are delicious for scooping up every last drop of soup while adding buttery goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making ham and bean soup, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the Soaking: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to hard beans in your soup. Always soak them for at least 8 hours for the best results.
- Using Too Much Salt: Adding too much salt can overwhelm the flavors. Remember that ham is often salty, so taste before adding more salt.
- Neglecting the Vegetables: Forgetting to sauté the vegetables can result in a bland soup. Always sauté onion, carrots, and celery to build flavor.
- Overcooking or Undercooking Beans: Cooking beans too long can make them mushy, while undercooking them leaves them hard. Check for doneness frequently after 90 minutes of cooking.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid makes the soup thick and unappetizing. Ensure you have enough chicken stock to keep it soupy and flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or wrap, and heat in intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the ham and bean soup recipe.
How do you make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe from scratch?
To make this delicious ham and bean soup from scratch, start by soaking dried navy beans overnight. Then follow the instructions provided for sautéing vegetables and simmering everything together.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes! You can use canned beans for a quicker option. Just rinse them well and add them during the last stages of cooking.
How long does Ham and Bean Soup Recipe last?
This ham and bean soup will last about 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen properly.
What types of ham work best?
Smoked ham or leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe, adding depth of flavor. Avoid overly sweet hams as they may alter the taste.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only a great way to utilize leftover ham but also provides a comforting meal on chilly days. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for added variety. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting Ham and Bean Soup that warms both body and soul. This easy-to-make recipe utilizes leftover ham and simple ingredients to create a hearty meal, perfect for chilly winter days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 2–3 cups chopped ham
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 64 oz chicken stock
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- bay leaf
- garlic powder
- dried Italian herbs
- fresh cracked pepper
- 3 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Rinse navy beans and soak them overnight in water.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery for 4-5 minutes; add garlic and sauté an additional minute.
- Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 90 minutes.
- Add ham and cabbage; cook for another 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adjust salt if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
