This hearty ham and bean soup is perfect for chilly days! It combines tender ham chunks, creamy beans, and veggies simmered to flavorful perfection.
Honestly, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of this soup to make you feel cozy. I love pairing it with some bread for dipping—what’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried White Beans: Navy or great northern beans are perfect for this soup. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned beans (drained and rinsed) to save time. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking!
Ham: A ham bone or hock adds amazing flavor. If you don’t have one, leftover diced ham works too. Just add it later during cooking so it stays tender. Smoked turkey is also a great substitute for a different twist.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots (often called mirepoix) build the soup’s base flavor. Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and taste!
Broth: You can use water or chicken broth for more flavor. If you prefer vegetable broth, that works beautifully too. Always choose low-sodium versions for better control over saltiness.
How Do I Make Sure My Beans Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking beans can be tricky but not if you follow these tips! Properly soaking and cooking ensures your beans are tender and not too mushy.
- Soak the beans overnight to help soften them. If you forget, a quick soak method involves boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for 1 hour.
- Always rinse beans after soaking to remove any impurities.
- Simmering gently after bringing to a boil allows them to cook evenly. Keep an eye on the water level; you’ll want the beans to be fully submerged.
With these ingredients and tips, you’ll create a delicious and hearty ham and bean soup that’s perfect for any cozy night in! Enjoy!
Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound dried white beans (such as navy or great northern beans), soaked overnight and drained
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ham bone or ham hock with some meat
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ham and bean soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 2 hours for cooking. Let the soup simmer gently so the flavors can blend beautifully. You can enjoy a cozy meal in about 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
First, rinse the soaked and drained beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. This step ensures that your beans will taste fresh in the soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the veggies until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The colors and scents of the veggies will be delightful!
3. Add Garlic and Ham:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until it’s aromatic. Then, toss in the ham bone or hock along with your drained beans, thyme, bay leaf, and the water or broth.
4. Simmer Time!
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives the beans time to become tender and allows the flavors to develop. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
5. Finish the Soup:
Carefully remove the ham bone or hock from the pot. Discard any large pieces of fat and pick off the ham meat, discarding the bone. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
6. Taste Test!
Stir the soup and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final step marries the flavors. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs. Serve it hot with some crusty bread or rolls for a delightful meal!
This hearty and comforting soup, filled with tender ham chunks and creamy beans, is sure to warm your heart and soul! Enjoy your cozy bowl of ham and bean soup! 🍲
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned white beans. Just drain and rinse them, and add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have a Ham Bone?
No worries! You can use diced leftover ham instead. Just add it in at the same time as the beans, or even later, to keep it tender. Smoked turkey can also serve as a great alternative.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze ham and bean soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove.
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher and stir them back into the soup. Alternatively, simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid for a thicker texture.
