5 Best Ham And Bean Soup Recipes

top ham bean soups

If you've ever had leftover ham and wondered what to do with it, ham and bean soup is your answer! It's cozy, filling, and super easy to whip up. You can go classic with a slow simmer or try a quick stovetop version if you're in a hurry. Plus, there's a spicy twist that'll make your taste buds dance! So, are you ready to find your new favorite recipe?

Classic Ham and Bean Soup

Classic Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe highlights the rich flavors of ham combined with tender beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's perfect for using up leftover ham, making it not only delicious but also economical. Ideal for cold nights, this soup is easy to prepare and can be simmered slowly to develop its flavors, making it a staple in many households.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or great northern beans)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound cooked ham, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Start by rinsing and soaking the beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain the beans and set aside.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the soaked beans, thyme, bay leaf, diced ham, and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender.

Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or bone to the soup during cooking. This will impart a wonderful smokiness to the broth.

If you're short on time, you can use canned beans instead of dried; just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as adding potatoes or green beans.

See also  5 Best Shepherd’S Pie Recipes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

ham and bean soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and tender beans, this soup isn't only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions: In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed beans, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, water, sliced carrots, sliced celery, dried thyme, and bay leaf.

Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beans are submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Extra Tips: For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.

You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the cooker before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.

Quick Stovetop Ham and Bean Soup

Quick Stovetop Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving something warm and satisfying.

This recipe utilizes leftover ham, canned beans, and a few simple vegetables, resulting in a deliciously rich soup that warms the soul. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a bowl of this savory soup in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
See also  5 Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipes

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced ham, white beans, chicken broth, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Extra Tips:

For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

You can also customize the soup by adding other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. If you have time, let the soup sit for a while before serving, as it will taste even better once the flavors have had a chance to develop.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Ham and White Bean Soup With Kale

hearty ham and kale soup

Ham and white bean soup with kale is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of ham with the creaminess of white beans and the vibrant, earthy notes of kale. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious meal that's sure to satisfy your family or guests.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced ham, white beans, and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Finally, add the chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is tender.

See also  5 Best Minestrone Recipes

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider using leftover ham from a holiday meal, as it will infuse the soup with a delicious smokiness.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the white beans or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.

This dish also freezes well, making it a perfect option for meal prep; just be sure to store it in airtight containers.

Enjoy garnishing each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Spicy Ham and Bean Soup

Spicy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ham with the creaminess of beans and a kick of spice that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly day, this soup isn't only delicious but also an excellent way to use up leftover ham.

With a blend of aromatic vegetables and a hint of heat, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

To prepare the Spicy Ham and Bean Soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the diced ham, white beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens and the flavors meld together. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño during cooking. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a fork before serving.

This soup also freezes well, so feel free to make a large batch and store portions for future meals. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy your warm and spicy bowl of ham and bean goodness!


Posted

in

by