Ham and Bean Soup

The magic of ham and bean soup is in its simplicity. When you let the ingredients simmer together, the flavors meld in such a comforting way that every spoonful feels like a hug. There’s something about the smoky depth of the ham, paired with the creamy texture of the beans, that feels like it’s been cooked low and slow for hours—even if you don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen. The broth, infused with herbs and the natural saltiness of the ham, is rich without being heavy, giving you that perfect balance between savory and satisfying.

Key Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup

What I love most is how adaptable this soup is. You can easily adjust it depending on what you have in your pantry or what flavors you’re craving. Maybe you’re in the mood for a bit of spice—toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce, and you’ll be amazed at how it takes the soup to a whole new level. Or, if you prefer something a little more classic, keep it simple with just a bay leaf and a few sprigs of thyme. Either way, you’ve got a dish that’s hearty enough to stand on its own but light enough to enjoy as a starter before a big meal.

I can’t tell you how many times this soup has come to the rescue when I need a quick, filling meal for my family. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The next day, the flavors have deepened even more, and the broth has thickened into this perfect, velvety consistency. Serve it with a warm, crusty piece of bread, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

When it comes to making ham and bean soup, the key ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Each one has its role in bringing out the richness of the broth and complementing the heartiness of the ham and beans. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

– Ham: The star of the show. The smoky, savory flavor of the ham infuses the broth, providing depth and richness that is the foundation of the soup. The cubes of ham add texture, too, making each spoonful hearty and satisfying.

– Onion: A classic base for nearly every soup or stew, the onion adds sweetness and a mild, savory flavor. It cooks down and softens, blending perfectly into the broth and enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

– Carrots: Carrots bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Their natural flavor develops as they cook, adding both color and a slight earthiness to the soup.

– Celery: Celery gives the soup a fresh, slightly peppery bite and a crisp texture, even after simmering. It adds complexity without overpowering the other flavors, creating a well-rounded base.

– Garlic: Garlic adds a fragrant, savory kick to the soup. It works its magic alongside the onion and celery to create a rich, aromatic base that sets the stage for the rest of the ingredients.

– Dried Thyme: This herb brings a warm, earthy note that perfectly complements the ham. Its subtle piney flavor infuses the broth, elevating the overall taste without being too overpowering.

– Dried Rosemary: Rosemary adds a touch of woodiness and a hint of citrus to the soup. It pairs beautifully with thyme and ham, giving the soup that classic, comforting aroma.

– Bay Leaf: A bay leaf brings a gentle, herbal fragrance that elevates the broth. It works silently in the background, adding a layer of complexity that you might not notice at first but will certainly appreciate in every bite.

– Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth provides the liquid that brings everything together. Its savory, umami-rich flavor carries all the other ingredients, creating a smooth, flavorful soup.

– Dried White Beans: These beans are the heart and soul of ham and bean soup. After soaking overnight, they become tender and creamy as they cook, absorbing all the rich flavors from the broth and ham.

– Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and spice to the soup. It enhances the other flavors without taking the spotlight, making everything taste just a little bit better.

– Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds a touch of richness and helps to bring out the flavors of the onions, carrots, and celery. It also provides a smooth texture to the finished soup.

– Salt: The seasoning that ties everything together. Salt helps to highlight the flavors of the ham, herbs, and vegetables, bringing everything into balance. Add to taste, but remember—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

These ingredients, when combined and allowed to simmer, create the perfect bowl of ham and bean soup that’s sure to satisfy.

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup

Serving Suggestions for Ham and Bean Soup

1. Crusty Bread & Butter: There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup paired with a thick slice of crusty bread. Dip it right into the soup, and let the bread soak up all that delicious, savory broth. A pat of butter on top? Even better! Trust me, it’s the simplest pleasure, but one that’ll elevate the meal to another level.

2. A Side Salad: If you’re craving something fresh to balance the richness of the soup, serve it alongside a crisp, green salad. A light vinaigrette with a bit of tang from lemon or balsamic vinegar will cut through the soup’s savory depth and add a refreshing contrast. Plus, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies!

3. Shredded Cheese & Croutons: For a heartier twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese—think sharp cheddar or Parmesan—over the top of the soup. You can even add a handful of homemade croutons for some extra crunch. This adds a layer of richness and texture that makes every bite feel a little more indulgent.

How to Store Ham and Bean Soup

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be real, might just be the best part of making this soup), storing it properly is key to keeping all those cozy flavors intact. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You don’t want to trap any steam, as it can turn the soup watery. Once it’s cooled, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, you might notice the beans have absorbed some of the liquid, so just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.

For longer storage, ham and bean soup freezes beautifully. After cooling, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid if needed to bring it back to that velvety consistency.

If you’re someone who loves meal prep, you can also portion the soup into individual servings before freezing. That way, whenever you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl, you’ve got it ready to go. It’s like having a homemade version of fast food—only way tastier!

Conclusion

And there you have it, a warm, comforting bowl of ham and bean soup that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and layers of flavor, this soup is the perfect dish to make when you want something hearty but not too complicated. The best part? It only gets better the longer it sits, so you’ll have leftovers to enjoy later (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for something cozy to enjoy on a chilly night, this ham and bean soup never disappoints. So, grab your ingredients, get that pot simmering, and enjoy the magic that happens when these flavors come together. I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment if you make it or if you’ve got any questions along the way. I’m always here to help!

Enjoy your soup, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Ham and Bean Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

Calories: 400

Description

A hearty, comforting bowl of Ham and Bean Soup offers savory chunks of tender ham mingling with creamy, perfectly cooked beans. Infused with aromatic herbs and a touch of smoky flavor, it’s the ultimate cozy dish for any chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ham, cubed

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 3 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed ham and sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until the ham begins to brown and release its fat.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
6. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper, stirring to evenly coat the vegetables and ham with the spices.
7. Place the bay leaf in the pot, ensuring it is nestled among the ingredients.
8. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits from the ham and vegetables.
9. Add the soaked white beans to the pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
10. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
11. Simmer the soup for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
12. Check the soup occasionally, adding additional water or broth if the liquid level gets too low.
13. Once the beans are tender, taste the soup and add salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
14. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
15. Serve the soup hot, making sure to ladle in both the beans and the vegetables along with the ham.

Note

• Use ham with some fat for extra flavor and richness in the soup.
• Ensure the beans are fully soaked overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
• For a smoother soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding them back in.
• Add the salt at the end to prevent the beans from becoming tough during cooking.
• Feel free to substitute turkey or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.

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