Ham and Bean Soup
A comforting and hearty Ham and Bean Soup that's perfect for chilly evenings, utilizing leftover ham and fiber-rich beans for a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Legumes
- 2 cups dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham, diced leftover ham or ham steak, or a smoked ham bone for deeper flavor
- 1 large onion, finely chopped adds sweet, savory depth
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced for color and a touch of sweetness
- 2 stalks celery, diced classic aromatic base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced brightens the soup
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, adjust for desired thickness
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme herbaceous warmth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, adds gentle smokiness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- If using dried beans, drain and rinse them after soaking overnight. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes and drain.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and smoked paprika, stirring for 30 seconds until aromatic. Stir in the diced ham and cook for a minute to release its savory oils.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then add the prepped or canned beans.
Cooking
- Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour if using soaked dried beans (or 20–30 minutes for canned), until beans are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove the bay leaf and, if you used a ham bone, remove the bone, shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread or cornbread.
Notes
For a creamy finish, mash a cup of the soup against the side of the pot before serving. This recipe is versatile and can be personalized with different beans or spices.