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 a delicious new dinner. This easy and healthy meal is perfect for a cold winter day, offering warmth and comfort in every bowl. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup hits all the right notes with its hearty ingredients and rich flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftover ham and dried beans makes this soup both economical and satisfying.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or side, it can adapt to various occasions throughout the year.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can easily freeze leftovers for a quick meal option later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe much smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large dutch oven pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large dutch oven pot: Ideal for slow cooking soups evenly while retaining heat.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
- Chopping knife: A sharp knife facilitates quick chopping of vegetables, saving time in preparation.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
- 1 White Onion, (chopped)
- 4 Carrots, (chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
- 5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
- 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
For Added Flavor
- 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
- 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
- Salt – to taste (if needed)
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Cover the beans with several inches of water in a large bowl.
- Soak the beans overnight for optimal softness; rinse again before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot over high heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Soup Base
- Add soaked beans to the pot along with chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover the pot slightly ajar; cook for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender. If they remain firm after 90 minutes, cook for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Remove the lid; add shredded cabbage and chopped ham to the soup.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste before serving; add salt if necessary based on ham’s saltiness. Discard bay leaf before serving hot.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Serving your delicious Ham and Bean Soup is simple and can be tailored to your tastes. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Fresh Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs wonderfully with the soup, perfect for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Enhance the flavors with garlic bread, adding a savory touch to each bite.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Green Onions: Add sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup nicely.
With Grated Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds creaminess and richness to each bowl.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
As a Standalone Dish
- Serve Hot: This soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, filling you up on its own.
- Garnish with Pepper: Add fresh cracked pepper for extra heat and flavor right before serving.
How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
To make your Ham and Bean Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Soak Beans Overnight: Soaking beans overnight helps them cook evenly and become tender.
- Use Leftover Ham Wisely: Incorporate flavorful pieces of leftover ham for an extra depth of flavor in your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper based on your ham’s saltiness.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Control Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some beans against the pot’s side while cooking.
- Store Properly: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Ham and Bean Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly. Consider serving it warm!
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty soup.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity to contrast with the rich texture of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy side that adds color and flavor to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit; they provide extra comfort alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: For an adventurous side, stuffed peppers filled with grains or cheese add a unique twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ham and Bean Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Not Soaking Beans Properly: Failing to soak dried beans overnight can lead to longer cooking times and uneven texture. Always soak beans in water for at least 8 hours before use.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can make it hard for flavors to meld. Cook vegetables in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning is a common error. Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed to enhance flavors.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking beans too short of time results in hard beans. Be patient; ensure you follow the cooking times for the best texture.
- Forgetting to Remove Bay Leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in the soup can lead to an overly strong flavor. Always remember to discard it before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Ham and Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bean for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Navy beans are typically recommended due to their creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for this recipe.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup during the last stages of cooking.
How do I customize my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach, or swap out spices based on your preference for a unique flavor twist.
What should I serve with Ham and Bean Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
How long does it take to make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
The total time includes soaking beans overnight; however, active cooking time is about 2 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham but also provides warmth on chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings joy to your table!
Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Transform your leftover holiday ham into a heartwarming Ham and Bean Soup, perfect for chilly winter evenings. This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal prep time and is not only budget-friendly but also packed with wholesome ingredients. The combination of tender navy beans, savory ham, and hearty vegetables creates a deliciously satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for both family dinners and gatherings with friends, this comforting dish can be served solo or alongside crusty bread for a complete experience. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 2–3 cups chopped ham
- 64 oz chicken stock
- 1 white onion (chopped)
- 4 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- Bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the navy beans overnight.
- In a large dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer covered slightly ajar for about 90 minutes until beans are tender.
- Add shredded cabbage and chopped ham; cook uncovered for another 15–20 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
