Ahhh yes 😌🥣 Ham and Bean Soup—hearty, smoky, and comforting. Perfect for using leftover ham or a ham bone, and it’s packed with fiber-rich beans.
🥣 Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 lb dried navy beans (or great northern beans), rinsed and sorted
- 1–2 cups cooked ham, diced (or ham bone with meat attached)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 carrots, sliced
- 2–3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or ¼ tsp cayenne for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prep the beans
- Optional quick soak: Cover beans with water, boil 2 minutes, then let sit 1 hour, or soak overnight.
- Drain and rinse soaked beans.
- Cook aromatics
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beans & ham
- Add beans, diced ham (or ham bone), water or broth, thyme, bay leaf, and optional spices.
- Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
- If using a ham bone, remove it after simmering and shred any remaining meat into the soup.
- Finish
- Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Optional: For creamier texture, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon or blend a small portion.
- Serve
- Serve hot with cornbread, rolls, or crackers.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Smoky flavor: Ham bone or smoked ham adds authentic smoky richness.
- Thicker soup: Mash some beans or cook uncovered at the end to reduce liquid.
- Make ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Bean shortcuts: Canned beans can be used; reduce cooking time to 30 minutes.
Optional variations:
- Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable-loaded: Include potatoes, green beans, or cabbage.
- Herb-forward: Finish with fresh parsley or thyme for extra aroma.
This is hearty, smoky, and classic comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep.
Do you want it classic thick & chunky or smooth and creamy?
