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Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

from therealfooddietitians.com
40 min
10 servings
368 per serving

This delicious stovetop soup is a perfect combination of creamy white beans, flavorful ham, veggies, and everyday seasonings. It can be made with canned or dry beans and is a great use for leftover ham. Add a leftover ham bone if you have one!  

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    diced, ~ 2 cups

    1 large
  • stalks celery

    diced, ~ 1 cup

    3
  • medium-large carrots

    diced, ~1 ½ cups

    3
  • garlic cloves

    minced, 1 tablespoon

    3
  • italian seasoning
    1 tbsp
  • water

    or 1 quart water + 1 quart chicken broth

    2 quarts
  • bay leaves
    2
  • ham hock/ham bone

    optional – see notes

    1
  • chopped or pulled cooked ham pieces

    about 4 cups

    20 oz
  • 15-ounce cans great northern beans

    drained and rinsed

    3
  • fresh baby spinach leaves

    may use chopped kale

    5 oz
  • apple cider vinegar
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    In a Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning; saute until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the water/broth, bay leaves, and the ham hock (if using). Cover and bring to a rolling simmer for 10-20 minutes (longer if using the ham hock).

  3. 3

    Remove the lid and add the ham and beans. (TIP: See more notes below for a thicker soup). Simmer, uncovered, for a minimum of 10 minutes more but up to 30+ minutes more, especially if you desire a thicker more flavorful soup.

  4. 4

    Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and remove the ham hock and bay leaves. Add the spinach and apple cider vinegar to the soup; stir just until the spinach starts to wilt.

  5. 5

    To store leftovers: Let soup cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

About this Recipe

Warm Up with Our Easy Stovetop Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty ham and bean soup to bring comfort to your table. This easy stovetop ham and bean soup recipe is a true classic, blending tender, creamy white beans with savory ham pieces and a vibrant medley of garden vegetables. It's the perfect way to turn leftover ham into a sensational new meal, making it both economical and incredibly flavorful.

Our recipe shines by combining pantry staples like canned Great Northern beans with fresh aromatics and robust Italian seasoning, creating a comforting ham soup that tastes like it simmered all day. The secret to its depth? The optional, but highly recommended, addition of a ham hock or ham bone. This simple step infuses the broth with an unparalleled smoky richness, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dish. Even without the bone, the combination of chopped ham, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of apple cider vinegar at the end ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavor.

Tips for the Best Ham and Bean Soup

  • Boost the Flavor: If you don't have a ham bone, a good quality chicken broth instead of water can add another layer of savory depth to your soup.
  • Veggie Power: While spinach is suggested, feel free to use chopped kale for a slightly earthier flavor and more robust texture. Add it at the end to wilt.
  • The Finishing Touch: Don't skip the apple cider vinegar! It brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the ham.

This quick ham and bean soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or warm cornbread for a truly satisfying and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

Frequently Asked Questions