Growing up, there was nothing quite like the aroma of my grandma’s homemade Ham and Bean Soup wafting through the house on a chilly autumn day. The rich, savory broth, the tender pieces of ham, and the creamy beans – it was a flavor combination that just felt like home. Even now, whenever I make a batch, it instantly transports me back to those cozy afternoons spent gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for a steaming bowl.
This Ham and Bean Soup recipe is the one I turn to time and time again, and I’m confident it’ll become your go-to as well. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a hearty, comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
Why This Ham And Bean Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham And Bean Soup
The secret to making the best Ham and Bean Soup lies in the careful balance of flavors and textures. By sautéing the aromatic vegetables – onion, carrots, and celery – before adding the broth, we build a deep, complex base that infuses every spoonful with richness. The diced ham adds a savory, smoky element that perfectly complements the creamy navy beans, while the bay leaves and thyme lend a fragrant, herbal note that ties it all together.
But the real magic happens when you let the soup simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender and almost creamy in texture. It’s a simple process, but one that requires a bit of patience – and trust me, it’s well worth the wait.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Ham and Bean Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 pound ham, diced: The star of the show! This diced ham adds a delectable savory and smoky flavor to the soup.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, rinsed and drained: Creamy, protein-packed navy beans are the perfect complement to the ham.
- 1 onion, diced: Sautéing the onion creates a flavorful base for the soup.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery lends a subtle herbal note and helps to balance the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have for building depth of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The broth serves as the foundation, infusing the soup with moisture and richness.
- 2 bay leaves: These fragrant leaves impart an earthy, aromatic element.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme complements the other herbs and spices beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Ham And Bean Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Ham And Bean Soup
This Ham and Bean Soup comes together in just 45 minutes – 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking. To get started, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, a knife, and a ladle.
1- Begin by dicing the ham, onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic as well. This prep work will make the cooking process a breeze.
2- In the large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3- Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced ham, navy beans, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the beans are tender.
5- Discard the bay leaves, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the Hot and comforting Ham and Bean Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, be sure to rinse and drain the canned navy beans before adding them to the soup. This helps remove any excess starchiness.
- Sautéing the aromatic vegetables before adding the broth is a game-changer. It adds so much depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
- Don’t be tempted to rush the simmering process. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors will develop and the beans will become wonderfully creamy.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can lightly mash some of the beans against the side of the pot using the back of a ladle.
Serving and Storing Your Ham And Bean Soup
Perfect Pairings for Ham And Bean Soup
This hearty Ham and Bean Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. The soup also makes a fantastic starter for a more elaborate dinner, or you can enjoy it as a comforting lunch on its own.
As for beverages, a crisp, cold glass of white wine or a mug of hot, steaming apple cider would both be fantastic complements to this soup. And don’t forget the classic pairing – a slice of cornbread or biscuits for dipping!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Ham and Bean Soup is that it holds up incredibly well in the fridge and freezer. Once the soup has cooled completely, you can transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, the soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup may thicken up a bit during the freezing process, but you can thin it out by adding a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or stocking your freezer for quick and easy meals, this Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect make-ahead option. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham And Bean Soup
Creative Ham And Bean Soup Variations
While this classic Ham and Bean Soup recipe is absolutely delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a seasonal twist, try adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall, or swap in fresh tomatoes and zucchini for a summery version.
You can also experiment with different types of beans – kidney beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of several varieties would all work beautifully. And if you’re a fan of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
Making Ham And Bean Soup Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free diet, this Ham and Bean Soup is already a perfect fit. Just be sure to use a gluten-free brand of chicken broth.
To make it vegan or vegetarian, simply omit the ham and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add in extra veggies, like diced mushrooms or bell peppers, to make it more hearty and satisfying.
For a low-carb version, you can reduce the amount of navy beans and replace them with extra diced ham, or try using a low-carb bean variety like black soybeans or lima beans.
No matter how you choose to customize it, this versatile Ham and Bean Soup is sure to hit the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bean in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While navy beans are traditional, you can definitely use other types of beans like kidney, pinto, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How long does it take to make this Ham and Bean Soup?
A: The total time to make this soup is 45 minutes – 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Ham and Bean Soup is perfect for making in advance. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Ham and Bean Soup recipe yields 6 servings.
Q: What should I do if the soup is too thick?
A: If your Ham and Bean Soup ends up being too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Ham And Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty, comforting Ham And Bean Soup is a delicious and easy-to-make classic. Packed with tender chunks of ham, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables, it’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ham, diced
– 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced ham over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained navy beans, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Ham And Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil or butter before adding the broth and beans. You can also use different types of beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Ham and Bean Soup is truly a classic for a reason – it’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. With its tender chunks of ham, creamy navy beans, and aromatic vegetables, each spoonful is like a warm hug on a chilly day.
I know you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! Share your photos and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your version of this cozy, comforting Ham and Bean Soup.
