The scent of simmering ham and beans always takes me back to my grandma’s cozy kitchen on a chilly winter day. As a kid, I can vividly remember watching her stir the fragrant pot, the steam swirling around her face as she added a pinch of this and a dash of that. There was something so comforting about that simple, hearty Ham And Bean Soup she’d make – it was like a big warm hug in a bowl.
To this day, the flavor transports me to those precious moments, and I can’t help but smile. That’s why this recipe for the best Ham And Bean Soup has become a cherished staple in my own home. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and never fails to bring a sense of nostalgia and pure comfort. Whether I’m serving it to my own family or bringing a batch to a friend in need, this soup is always a hit. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become your go-to recipe too.
Why This Ham And Bean Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham And Bean Soup
What makes this Ham And Bean Soup recipe so special? It all comes down to a few key elements that come together in perfect harmony. First, the blend of aromatic vegetables – onion, carrots, and celery – creates a flavor-packed base that’s the foundation of the soup. Then, the savory diced ham lends a delightful saltiness and heartiness that pairs so well with the creamy white beans.
But the real secret is in the seasoning. A touch of smoked paprika, fragrant thyme, and a couple of bay leaves infuse the broth with an irresistible depth of flavor. The result is a soup that’s comforting and satisfying, yet still light and easy to enjoy. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it the ultimate cold-weather meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Ham And Bean Soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients:
- 1 pound diced ham – The star of the show, providing delicious salty, savory flavor.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed – Creamy white beans like cannellini or navy beans are the perfect complement to the ham.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced – Carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Celery contributes a nice crunch and subtle bitterness to balance the other flavors.
- 1 onion, diced – Onions bring an aromatic, savory base to the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – The liquid that brings all the ingredients together.
- 2 bay leaves – Imparts an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – A touch of smoky spice ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings that allow the other flavors to shine.
- Chopped parsley for garnish – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
With these easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a comforting, flavor-packed Ham And Bean Soup that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Step-by-Step Ham And Bean Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Ham And Bean Soup
This Ham And Bean Soup comes together quickly, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking. To get started, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven.
1- Begin by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
2- Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn.
3- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and toss in the diced ham, white beans, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- As the soup simmers, the broth will thicken slightly and the beans will become tender and creamy. Keep an eye on it, giving it an occasional stir.
5- Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. The exact amount will depend on the saltiness of your broth and ham.
6- Ladle the piping hot Ham And Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Ham And Bean Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Dice the ham into small, bite-sized pieces to help it distribute evenly throughout the soup.
- For the creamiest texture, use two cans of white beans and lightly mash about half of them before adding to the pot.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less broth to achieve your desired thickness.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bean varieties – kidney, pinto, or even lentils work well too.
Serving and Storing Your Ham And Bean Soup
Perfect Pairings for Ham And Bean Soup
This hearty Ham And Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, serving 6 generous portions. For the perfect meal, pair it with a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread for dipping. A glass of dry white wine or a light, hoppy beer also makes a lovely accompaniment.
If you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving the soup alongside a simple side of roasted potatoes or a batch of fluffy cornbread. The soup’s rich, savory flavors will complement these classic pairings beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Ham And Bean Soup is that it actually gets better with time. The flavors continue to meld and develop, making it a great make-ahead option.
To store, simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, the soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into individual servings or freezer-safe bags and it will keep for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. You may need to add a splash of broth to thin it out if it’s thickened up too much during storage.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham And Bean Soup
Creative Ham And Bean Soup Variations
While this classic Ham And Bean Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping in different types of beans, like kidney, pinto, or black beans. You could also experiment with using smoked turkey or sausage in place of the ham.
For a heartier version, stir in some diced potatoes or whole grain pasta. And to make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
In the summer, you could add fresh corn kernels and diced zucchini. Or make it more robust with the addition of diced tomatoes or a splash of red wine.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Making Ham And Bean Soup Diet-Friendly
This Ham And Bean Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, and it’s also quite easy to adapt for other dietary needs. For a low-carb version, skip the beans and use cauliflower florets or diced radishes instead. You can also reduce the amount of broth to create a thicker, stew-like consistency.
To make it vegan, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth. You can substitute the beans with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a similar texture and protein boost.
No matter which variations you choose, this soup is sure to be a satisfying and nourishing meal that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bean in this Ham And Bean Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white beans, you can easily substitute other bean varieties like kidney, pinto, or black beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the beans become tender.
Q: How long does it take to make this Ham And Bean Soup?
A: This Ham And Bean Soup recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be on the table in under an hour.
Q: Can I make this Ham And Bean Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is a great make-ahead option. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much does this Ham And Bean Soup recipe serve?
A: This Ham And Bean Soup recipe makes 6 generous servings. It’s a hearty, filling soup that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
Q: What should I do if my Ham And Bean Soup is too thick or too thin?
A: If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate. You can also try mashing some of the beans to thicken it up.
Print
Ham And Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this homemade Ham And Bean Soup. Tender chunks of ham and creamy white beans come together in a delicious, warming broth, making this the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.
Ingredients
– 1 pound diced ham
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced ham over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the broth and add the white beans, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the flavors have melded and the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Ham And Bean Soup is truly a comforting classic that’s hard to beat. With its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the ultimate cold-weather meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
The blend of tender white beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a soup that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s so easy to make and can be customized in endless ways to suit your personal taste preferences.
I hope you’ll give this Ham And Bean Soup recipe a try – I have a feeling it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!
