Description
Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender white beans, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection. This easy-to-make soup is nutritious, economical, and perfect for any season, offering a flavorful, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Meat
- 1 lb dried white beans (cannellini, great northern, or navy beans)
- 1 smoked ham hock or ham bone (about 1 to 2 pounds)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Herbs
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and Soak the Beans: Sort and rinse the dried beans thoroughly to remove any debris. Soak them overnight in plenty of water, or use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. This softens the beans and shortens cooking time.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Add Ham and Broth: Place the smoked ham hock or bone into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook low and slow for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check liquid levels throughout, adding more water or broth if needed to keep a soup-like consistency. Continue until the beans are tender and the ham’s smoky flavor is fully infused.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred any meat left on the bone and stir it back into the soup. Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Soak beans thoroughly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Use a quality smoky ham hock for the best flavor.
- Simmer the soup gently to ensure tender beans and developed flavors without breaking down the ingredients.
- Add salt near the end, as the ham and broth may already contain salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Leftover ham chunks work well and add extra savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour to overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg