Cozy Comfort: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives with this hearty ham and bean soup that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Cold days demand warm, soul-soothing meals like this classic combination.

Rich, smoky ham pieces mingle with creamy beans, creating a robust flavor profile.

Tender legumes absorb delicious broth, promising a satisfying meal in every spoonful.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a bright, zesty finish that lifts the entire dish.

You’ll want seconds of this nourishing soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Grab a ladle and savor each comforting bite.

Why Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Feels Like Home

• A Hearty Ham and Bean Soup That Checks All the Boxes
• This recipe offers flexible bean options (dried or canned) allowing busy home cooks to adapt without stress.
• Using affordable ingredients like ham, beans, and basic vegetables makes this soup an economical dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen chaos for tired cooks.
• Packed with protein from ham and beans, plus vegetables, this soup delivers warmth and essential nutrients during chilly seasons.

Ingredients That Build Flavor in Ham and Bean Soup

• Dried Beans, Canned Beans: Protein-packed and hearty base of the soup, dried beans need soaking while canned beans are quick and convenient.

• Ham: Adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup, choose a high-quality, lean cut for best taste.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup mirepoix that provides depth of flavor and nutritional value, fresh vegetables offer the best taste and texture.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base, provides additional flavor and depth.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup's flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, adds subtle flavor and prevents sticking.

How to Cook a Pot of Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Prep the Beans

Grab your dried or canned beans. If using dried beans, soak them overnight, then drain and rinse thoroughly. For quick preparation, canned beans work perfectly- just rinse and drain them completely.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Makers

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook these veggie heroes until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute to wake up those amazing aromas.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme

Mix the drained beans into this delicious mixture.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything mingle and get acquainted for 1-2 hours if using dried beans. For canned beans, 20-30 minutes will do the trick. Stir occasionally and watch the magic happen.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touchdown

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Fish out those bay leaves. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Shower with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra zing. Enjoy your soul-warming creation!

Soup-Making Tips That Make a Difference

• Soak Smartly: Use overnight bean soaking for better texture and faster cooking, or try quick-soak method by boiling beans for 2 minutes, then letting them rest for an hour.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a parmesan rind or smoked paprika during simmering to boost the soup's rich, complex taste profile without extra effort.
• Control Salt Carefully: Ham is naturally salty, so wait until the end to add salt and taste incrementally to prevent over-seasoning the entire pot.
• Customize Texture: Mash a portion of beans against the pot's side to create a creamier, thicker soup consistency without adding extra ingredients.
• Extend Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers and consume within 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

Storing and Reheating Ham and Bean Soup the Right Way

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure containers are sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, helping restore its original consistency.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure soup is steaming hot throughout before serving.

Sides to Serve with Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

• Slice a warm, tangy sourdough loaf to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Select a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's hearty flavors and refresh the palate.
• Create a bright side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and depth.
• Pour a chilled glass of sparkling apple cider to provide a sweet and slightly tart counterpoint to the salty ham and beans.

Creative Variations for Ham and Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the soup into a zesty, southwestern-style dish with extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and any added seasonings to make the soup safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and select reduced-sodium ham to create a heart-healthy version without compromising taste.

Hearty Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting ham and bean soup delivers warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending smoky ham with creamy white beans. Tender vegetables and rich broth create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups diced ham (or 1 ham bone or hock for more flavor)
• 1 lb dried navy or Great Northern beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Soak dried beans overnight in cold water, or opt for convenient canned beans. Thoroughly rinse and drain the beans to remove excess starch and sodium.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Introduce finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to release for about 45 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Gently fold cubed ham into the vegetable base, creating a rich layered foundation for the soup. Pour in chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
5. Add aromatic bay leaves and dried thyme to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor. Carefully stir in prepared beans, ensuring even distribution.
6. Elevate the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to slowly develop its flavors, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
7. For dried beans, maintain a low simmer for 1-1.5 hours until beans become tender and creamy. If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 25-35 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove bay leaves to prevent any bitter undertones.
9. Ladle the hearty soup into warm bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, especially if ham is already salty.
• Soak dried beans overnight for faster cooking and better digestibility.
• Swap ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian/lighter options.
• Enhance soup’s richness by adding a small amount of butter or nutritional yeast at the end for depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg