Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic
Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of homemade ham and bean soup. This classic dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perennial favorite among families and home cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal to warm you up on a cold winter day or a simple yet impressive dish to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
🌟 What Makes This Recipe Special
The key to this hearty ham and bean soup’s success lies in the combination of tender beans, savory ham, and a flavorful broth. The slow-simmered broth infuses the dish with a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by canned or store-bought options. Plus, the use of a ham bone or ham hocks adds an extra layer of richness and complexity that truly sets this recipe apart.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is also incredibly versatile. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 smoked ham bone or 2-3 ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this hearty ham and bean soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a flavor profile that has made bean-based soup recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cover the soaked and drained navy beans with the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the smoked ham bone or ham hocks, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and oregano.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are very tender.
- Step 3: Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove any meat from the bone and dice it. Return the diced ham to the pot.
- Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 1-1.5 hours
• Total time: 1.25-2 hours
Compared to traditional bean soups that can take up to 2-3 hours to prepare, this hearty ham and bean soup saves you up to 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg
These hearty ham and bean soup provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 35% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute half of the navy beans with diced cauliflower or kale to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any added dairy, such as cream or cheese, and use a plant-based milk alternative if desired.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add chopped spinach, kale, or other leafy greens towards the end of cooking to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the hearty ham and bean soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
• For a cozy dinner, serve alongside a glass of red wine or a hot toddy
• Create a heartwarming meal platter with the soup, a cheese board, and assorted pickles or olives
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the aromatics: Don’t skimp on the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic – these vegetables provide the foundation for the soup’s flavor profile.
• Overcooking the beans: While you want the beans to be very tender, overcooking them can cause them to break down and result in a mushy texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These hearty ham and bean soup retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of simmering, then allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This ham and bean soup is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I substitute the ham for another protein?
Yes, you can definitely use other proteins in this recipe. Smoked turkey legs or wings, sausage, or even bacon can all work well as alternatives to the ham. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the substitute you choose.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this hearty ham and bean soup is naturally gluten-free. The only ingredient that may contain gluten is the broth, so be sure to use a gluten-free broth if you need to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
What if I don’t have a ham bone or hocks?
If you don’t have a ham bone or hocks, you can still make this recipe using diced ham or a ham steak. Simply add the diced ham at the same time as the other vegetables and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile, and you can easily add more vegetables to boost the nutrition and flavor. Consider adding chopped spinach, kale, potatoes, or even diced tomatoes to the mix.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These hearty ham and bean soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nourishment. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting main course on a chilly day or as a satisfying side dish for a cozy dinner, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory broth and tender, flavorful beans.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these ham and bean soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cover the soaked and drained navy beans with the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the smoked ham bone or ham hocks, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are very tender.
- Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove any meat from the bone and dice it. Return the diced ham to the pot.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
