🍲 Ham and bean soup
Ham and bean soup is a hearty, comforting soup made with beans, chunks of ham, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a filling meal and is often enjoyed as a classic winter or comfort food dish.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini) or 3 cups canned, drained
- 2 cups Ham, diced (leftover or smoked ham works well)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, diced
- 3–4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1–2 tsp Thyme
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prepare beans
- If using dried beans, soak overnight or use quick-soak method (boil 2–3 minutes, then let sit 1 hour). Drain.
- Cook vegetables
- In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Add beans and ham
- Stir in ham, soaked beans, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1–1.5 hours (dried beans) or 30 minutes (canned) until beans are tender and flavors meld.
- Season and serve
- Remove bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with Crusty bread or a side salad.
🌟 Tips
- Smoky flavor: Use a ham bone or smoked ham hock for deeper flavor.
- Thickening: Mash some beans in the soup for a creamier texture.
- Make-ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Top with Chopped parsley or a drizzle of Olive oil.
- Serve with Cornbread or garlic bread.
- Add a side of Pickles for a tangy contrast.
✅ Fun fact: Ham and bean soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, particularly in American Southern and New England cuisine, as it makes economical use of leftover ham and dried beans.
I can also provide:
- A slow cooker ham and bean soup recipe
- Instant pot version ready in under 1 hour
- Vegetable-packed ham and bean soup for extra nutrition
