Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to use your ham leftovers in an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold Winter day. It’s not only comforting but also packed with flavors that will warm your soul.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Beans
• Vegetables
• Liquids and Seasonings
• Meats
• Final Touches
• How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Beans
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage
• How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Pair with Crusty Bread
• Add Fresh Herbs
• Serve with Salad
• How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
• What type of ham works best?
• How do I customize my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe fits into your busy schedule seamlessly.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ham, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this soup is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a nutritious choice that keeps you full longer.
• Great for Leftovers: This recipe is an ideal way to repurpose leftover ham while creating something new and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven pot
• Measuring cups
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven pot: Perfect for slow cooking, it distributes heat evenly to bring out the best flavors in your soup.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
• Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for cutting vegetables, making prep work easier and safer.

Ingredients

Beans

• 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans

Vegetables

• 1 White Onion (chopped)
• 4 Carrots (chopped)
• 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
• 5 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
• 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage

Liquids and Seasonings

• 3 Tablespoons Oil
• 64 ounces Chicken Stock
• 14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
• Fresh Cracked Pepper

Meats

• 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham

Final Touches

• Salt – to taste (if needed)

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water until clean.
2. Cover the beans with several inches of water in a large bowl.
3. Soak the beans overnight; then rinse them again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot over high heat.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes while stirring frequently.
3. Stir in finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add soaked beans to the pot along with chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer.
3. Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for 90 minutes. Check the consistency of the beans; if still firm, cook for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

1. Remove the lid from the pot once beans are tender.
2. Stir in chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook for an additional 15–20 minutes.
3. Taste the soup and add salt if necessary; discard bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Ham and Bean Soup Recipe! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your delicious Ham and Bean Soup is just as important as making it. With the right accompaniments, you can elevate this hearty dish to a new level of satisfaction.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the soup perfectly.
• Garlic Bread – A buttery, garlicky twist that enhances the savory flavors.
• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the soup’s earthy notes.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves – A few leaves can enhance the aromatic quality of your soup.

Serve with Salad

• Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing pairs well with the rich soup.
• Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch.

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How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup is nothing short of perfect, consider these tips for an even better experience.

• Use Quality Ham – Opt for a flavorful ham to enhance the overall taste of your soup.
• Soak Beans Properly – Soaking beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste as you go, especially when adding salt, since ham can be salty.
• Simmer Slowly – Allowing the soup to simmer gently develops deeper flavors over time.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Completing your meal with the right side dishes can make all the difference. Here are some excellent options that pair beautifully with Ham and Bean Soup.

1. Buttered Noodles – Simple egg noodles tossed in butter create a comforting side.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a nutritious balance.
3. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese for extra flavor.
4. Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers – These flavorful peppers filled with rice and meat complement the hearty soup well.
6. Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy fried green tomatoes add crunch and tanginess to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make a few blunders. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the soak: Failing to soak the beans overnight can lead to longer cooking times and tough beans. Always soak them in plenty of water for at least 8 hours.
• Over-salting the broth: Adding too much salt can overpower the dish, especially if your ham is already salty. Taste before adding more salt.
• Ignoring bean consistency: Cooking beans too long can make them mushy. Check them periodically towards the end of cooking for the perfect texture.
• Rushing the sauté process: Not properly sautéing your vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Take your time to caramelize the onions and soften the carrots and celery.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each batch of soup may need different seasoning based on ingredients’ freshness. Always adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Drain and rinse them before adding during cooking; reduce simmering time accordingly.

What type of ham works best?

Smoked ham or leftover holiday ham adds great flavor. Avoid overly salty varieties unless you adjust other seasonings.

How do I customize my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or potatoes. You can also experiment with spices for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham but also a comforting dish for chilly evenings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients or spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!