How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to enjoy your ham leftovers in a new and delicious way. This easy and healthy meal is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this comforting soup will surely be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this soup ready without a fuss.
Flavorful Comfort: Combining tender beans and savory ham creates a rich, hearty flavor that everyone loves.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for using leftovers, this recipe can be adapted with different beans or veggies based on what you have.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is not only filling but also good for you.
Freezes Well: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven pot
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven pot: Essential for even cooking and simmering your soup to perfection.
Chef’s knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe:

1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
3 Tablespoons Oil
1 White Onion, (chopped)
4 Carrots, (chopped)
2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
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
2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
Salt – to taste (if needed)

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Rinse dried navy beans under cold water.
Cover the beans with several inches of water in a large bowl.
Soak overnight, then drain and rinse again before using.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven pot, heat oil over high heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 4–5 minutes while stirring frequently.
Stir in finely chopped garlic; sauté for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add soaked navy beans to the pot along with chicken stock, fire roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer.
Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for about 90 minutes. Check the consistency of the beans; if they’re still firm, cook longer for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

Remove the lid from the pot; add chopped ham and shredded green cabbage.
Cook for another 15–20 minutes until everything is heated through.
Taste the soup; add salt as needed based on the saltiness of the ham used.
Discard bay leaf before serving warm.

This delightful Ham and Bean Soup Recipe not only makes great use of holiday leftovers but also provides warmth during chilly days! Enjoy every spoonful!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving Ham and Bean Soup is a delightful way to enjoy your meal. This hearty soup can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors and make it even more satisfying.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor adds another layer of taste to your soup experience.

With Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the savory soup well.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.

With Cheese

Parmesan Shavings: Sprinkle fresh parmesan on top for a salty kick that enhances the soup’s taste.
Cheddar Cheese Toasts: Melty cheddar on toasted bread makes for a comforting pairing.

With Pickles

Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of ham and beans.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a sweet and sour element that brightens each bite.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To achieve the ultimate Ham and Bean Soup, consider these simple tips. They will help elevate your dish and ensure delicious results every time.

Soak Beans Overnight: This softens the beans, reducing cooking time and improving texture.
Use Quality Ham: Opt for a flavorful ham with good marbling; it enhances the soup’s richness.
Add Vegetables Early: Sautéing veggies before adding them helps develop deeper flavors in your soup.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go; this prevents over-salting, especially since ham can be quite salty.
Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for an hour after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
Freeze Leftovers: Store any extra in an airtight container. It will keep well for future meals.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ham and Bean Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic pair that complements the savory beans perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your hearty soup.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting addition that can soak up the broth.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can absorb flavors from the soup, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
Biscuits: Flaky biscuits provide perfect dipping companions for that thick bean broth.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are fun to munch on while enjoying your bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to longer cooking times and firmer beans. Always soak your beans to ensure they cook evenly.
Over-seasoning too early: Adding all the salt at once can overpower the soup. Taste as you go, especially since ham can be quite salty.
Not checking for doneness: Beans can vary in cooking time. Check them for tenderness halfway through cooking instead of waiting until the end.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or stale ingredients can affect flavor. Always use fresh vegetables and quality ham for the best taste.
Failing to remove the bay leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in when serving can lead to an unpleasant bite. Remember to discard it before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Yes! If using canned beans, reduce cooking time significantly. Simply add them towards the end of cooking; they only need heating through.

What type of ham is best for this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Smoked ham hocks or leftover holiday ham work wonderfully due to their flavor. Any cooked ham will do!

How long does it take to make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

The total time is about 8 hours due to soaking beans overnight. Cooking takes around 2 hours, but you can prepare it ahead!

Can I make a vegetarian version of Ham and Bean Soup?

Absolutely! Substitute ham with mushrooms or smoked paprika for a savory flavor while keeping it vegetarian.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for using leftover ham while providing a hearty meal on cold days. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is!

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the perfect way to use leftover ham with this cozy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe. This hearty soup, brimming with tender navy beans and savory chunks of ham, is an ideal meal for chilly days. Not only does it transform holiday leftovers into a delightful dish, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that will warm you from the inside out. With simple preparation steps, you can have a comforting bowl ready in no time—perfect for family dinners or intimate gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried navy beans
3 tbsp oil
1 white onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
64 oz chicken stock
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 cups shredded green cabbage
2–3 cups chopped ham

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Instructions

Soak the navy beans overnight in water; drain before using.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and spices. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer for 90 minutes or until beans are tender.
Add chopped ham and cabbage; cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American