Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a warm bowl of Easy Ham & Bean Soup, especially on chilly days. This hearty ham soup recipe combines tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables for a nutritious and filling meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also protein-packed, making it a hit with the whole family. Additionally, the soup’s rich and satisfying flavor profile is sure to warm your soul and bring smiles around the dinner table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup dried white beans (such as Navy or Great Northern) – Ensure the beans are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – This herb adds a wonderful earthiness to the soup.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle garlic flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
  • 1 bay leaf – This enhances the overall flavor but should be removed before serving.
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) – Using low sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • 1 cup water (if needed) – This can be adjusted based on desired soup thickness.
• Meat:
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham (preferably from a ham bone for extra flavor) – Using leftover ham gives the soup a deeper, richer taste.
• Vegetables:
  • 1 medium onion, diced – This forms the aromatic base of the soup.
  • 2 carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and texture.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced – Provides crunch and flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Gives an added layer of flavor; feel free to use more if you love garlic!
• Toppings (optional):
  • Chopped fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.
  • Crusty bread for dipping – A perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious broth.

Steps / Instructions

1. Rinse the dried white beans under cold water, then soak them in water overnight. This will help soften them and reduce cooking time. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method involves boiling the beans for 2-3 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour.
2. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can lead to a bitter taste.
4. Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot along with the diced ham, dried thyme, garlic powder, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the beans are well-coated with the aromatic mix.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add water if the soup gets too thick. The soup should be bubbling gently; this slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. For a creamier texture, you may mash some of the beans against the pot side with a spoon; this creates a luscious consistency.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the warm aroma and cozy flavors of this Easy Ham & Bean Soup as you share it with loved ones.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore consistency.
• Make-Ahead: This Easy Ham & Bean Soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup and let it cool before storing it. The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or batch cooking.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid rushing the cooking process. Allowing the beans to simmer gently is key to achieving perfect tenderness. Also, be cautious with salt; the ham and broth can add enough saltiness, so season gradually.
• Pro Technique: For a richer flavor, try using a ham bone instead of diced ham. Simply add it at the beginning and remove it before serving, shredding any meat back into the soup for an even heartier dish.

Variations

This Easy Ham & Bean Soup is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes: You can learn more about this topic.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the ham with smoked tempeh for a savory flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your broth is gluten-free and use gluten-free spices to enjoy this dish without worry.
• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the health benefits of this soup.

Serving Suggestions

For an inviting presentation, serve your Easy Ham & Bean Soup in bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. This soup is also a great option for lunch, offering a warm and filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of hearty whole grain bread. The contrast of textures between the creamy soup and crunchy bread creates a delightful eating experience. Check out our related guide for more tips.

This hearty ham soup recipe is perfect for cozy winter nights or as a simple yet satisfying dish for a busy weeknight dinner. Enjoy your delicious soup for lunch or dinner, and savor the comforting flavors that remind you of home!

Print

Easy Ham & Bean Soup

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 6 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

2 hr

🔥

Calories

—

Comfort food doesn't get much better than a warm bowl of Easy Ham & Bean Soup, especially on chilly days. This hearty ham soup recipe combines tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables for a nutritious and filling meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also protein-packed, making it a hit with the whole family. Additionally, the soup's rich and satisfying flavor profile is sure to warm your soul and bring smiles around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 cup dried white beans (such as Navy or Great Northern)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup water (if needed)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham (preferably from a ham bone)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Crusty bread for dipping (optional)

Directions

1.

Rinse the dried white beans under cold water, then soak them in water overnight.

2.

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

3.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

4.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot along with the diced ham, dried thyme, garlic powder, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

5.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

6.

Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

7.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.