Grandma's Depression Bean Soup

Grandma's Depression Bean Soup

Rich ham bone soup using tiny navy beans tiny beans and the most comforting economical soup probably on the planet

Ingredients

  • Note: Although grandma soaked the beans overnight most of the packaged beans found today will say no soaking is required now so you will have to follow the packing instructions however sort the beans for pebbles
  • pound of dried navy beans or use whatever other beans you prefer

    16-ounce package

    1
  • ham bone with some of the scraps of meat left on

    or use ham hock

    1 large
  • Other Alternative meats to use: pork shoulder or butt bone

    cooked fried bacon with some of the leftover grease, carcass of a chicken or turkey, bones from chuck roast or other beef, any leftovers from the week like pork chops, smoked pork chops, etc

  • carrot grated
    1 large
  • celery chopped fine
    2 stalk
  • minced garlic
    3 clove
  • onion
    1 small
  • each

    flat leaf parsley, fresh basil

    1 tbsp
  • rosemary
    1 pinch
  • salt

    and pepper to your taste

  • water or use chicken broth

    8 cups

Directions

  1. 1

    Place the beans in a 5 to 8-quart soup pot with water covered and boil them on a low simmer for around 1 hour (check to see if they softened up.

  2. 2

    I precook my beans to get all the residue out of the pot and rinse them you can just follow the package instructions if you want to skip this step.

  3. 3

    In a small pan add the oil and saute the garlic and onion together.

  4. 4

    If boiling the beans first, then drain the beans and rinse them to get any residue off them.

  5. 5

    Add the beans back to the soup pot, and place the bone of meat scraps left on the bone into the pot with herbs, spices, and vegetables along with sauteed onion and garlic.

  6. 6

    Cover with water.

  7. 7

    Simmer until the beans are soft and the soup is rich in flavor from whatever meat you're using.

  8. 8

    Add salt, and pepper to taste.

  9. 9

    This takes around 1 to 1 hour and 30 minutes on a slow simmer.

  10. 10

    Ladle into bowls.

  11. 11

    Optional Serving Suggestions:

  12. 12

    Serve with grated cheese on top, red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, and homemade hard-crusted bread.

  13. 13

    Modern version: substitute chicken broth instead of water or add better than bouillon paste to the instructions on the jar.

  14. 14

    Other Cooking Methods:

  15. 15

    Slow cooker: add all the ingredients to the pot on high for 6 to 8 hours

  16. 16

    Instant pot follow the directions in your instructions manual for making soup

Grandma's Depression Bean Soup

Grandma's Depression Bean Soup

70 min

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Savoring History: Grandma's Depression Bean Soup

Step back in time with Grandma's Depression Bean Soup, a truly comforting and incredibly economical dish that brings warmth to any table. This isn't just a recipe; it's a taste of history, a testament to making the most of every ingredient, and quite possibly the most satisfying ham bone bean soup you'll ever enjoy.

At its heart, this hearty navy bean soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create an unbelievably rich flavor profile. The secret lies in the humble ham bone (or ham hock!), which slowly simmers, imparting a smoky, savory depth that transforms tiny navy beans into a luxurious meal. It's a true depression-era recipe designed for sustenance and flavor, proving that the most delicious meals often come from the simplest origins.

While Grandma might have meticulously soaked her beans overnight, modern dried navy beans often don't require pre-soaking – just remember to sort them for any pebbles! We combine these tender beans with aromatic vegetables like grated carrot, finely chopped celery, minced garlic, and onion, all brought to life with a fresh medley of parsley, basil, thyme, and a hint of rosemary.

This isn't just a navy beans made from scratch soup; it's an adaptable culinary masterpiece. Don't have a ham bone? A ham hock works beautifully, or you can explore other options like a pork shoulder bone, leftover fried bacon (and its grease!), a chicken carcass, or even bones from a chuck roast. It’s the ultimate leftover ham bone bean soup — perfect for using up what you have on hand. Each variation still delivers a robust, satisfying flavor that’s both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete, soul-satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions