How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to transform your ham leftovers into an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold winter day. Not only does it warm you up, but it also brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty dish that the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ham, beans, and vegetables creates a comforting soup that’s packed with flavor.
Great for Leftovers: This soup is a perfect way to use leftover ham, reducing waste while creating something delicious.
Nutritious Meal: Rich in protein and fiber, this soup is not only tasty but also good for your health.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-duty dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-duty dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, making it perfect for simmering soups.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
Sharp knife: Essential for quick and precise cutting of ingredients.

Ingredients

Beans

1 Lb Dried Navy Beans

Vegetables

1 White Onion (chopped)
4 Carrots (chopped)
2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
5 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage

Liquids

3 Tablespoons Oil
64 ounces Chicken Stock
14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

Spices & Seasoning

1 Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Salt – to taste (if needed)

Meat

2-3 Cups Chopped Ham

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse dried navy beans under cold water.
Cover the beans with several inches of water in a bowl.
Soak beans overnight, then rinse them again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot over high heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4-5 minutes while stirring frequently.
Incorporate finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add soaked beans, chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to simmer; cover the pot slightly ajar.
Cook for about 90 minutes; check the consistency of the beans. If they are still firm, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

Remove the lid from the pot after cooking time is complete.
Stir in chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Taste the soup and add salt as needed based on the saltiness of your ham.
Discard bay leaf before serving hot.

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe serves up to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep! Enjoy this delightful dish on chilly days or whenever you’re looking to savor some comfort food!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your homemade Ham and Bean Soup can be a delightful experience. The soup is hearty and filling, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Add Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Thyme: A few sprigs of thyme can elevate the herbal notes in the soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: Serve warm sourdough bread on the side for dipping.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds an aromatic crunch that complements the soup well.

Include a Salad

Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens add a refreshing balance to your meal.

Top with Cheese

Shredded Cheddar: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty richness that enhances every spoonful.

Serve with Pickles or Relish

Dill Pickles: The tangy crunch of dill pickles pairs nicely with the savory flavors of ham and beans.
Sweet Relish: A small dish of sweet relish can provide a delightful contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup turns out great every time, consider these helpful tips.

Soak Beans Overnight: This helps beans cook evenly and become tender quicker.
Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade or low-sodium chicken stock for better flavor control.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go, especially when adding salt, since ham can be salty.
Cook Low and Slow: Simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully; don’t rush this step.
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for variety.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container; they taste even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Pairing your Ham and Bean Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up the soup perfectly.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide great texture and nutrition alongside the soup.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a comforting contrast to hot soup.
Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes can serve as another filling option, topped with butter or sour cream.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and brightness to your meal, cleansing your palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to tough texture. Always soak dried beans to ensure they cook evenly.
Overcooking vegetables: Adding vegetables too early may cause them to lose their flavor and texture. Stir them in at the right time for the best results.
Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning is a common error. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings based on your ham’s saltiness.
Using low-quality stock: Poor-quality chicken stock can dull the flavor of your soup. Choose a good quality stock for a richer taste.
Not checking bean doneness: Beans can vary in cooking time. Regularly check their consistency to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Allow soup to cool before refrigerating for better storage.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of beans for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Navy beans are traditional for this recipe due to their creamy texture, but Great Northern or cannellini beans work well too.

Can I use canned beans in this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use canned beans! Just rinse them well before adding them to the soup to reduce sodium content.

How long does it take to cook Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

The total time is approximately 2 hours, including soaking beans overnight. Cooking time on the stove is around 90 minutes with additional time after adding ham and cabbage.

Can I customize my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like kale or spinach or swap ham for turkey or sausage if desired.

Is this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Always check labels if using packaged products.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also a fantastic way to utilize leftover holiday ham. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!

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Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Warm up with a delightful bowl of Ham and Bean Soup, perfect for transforming your holiday leftovers into a cozy meal. This hearty dish combines tender navy beans, savory chopped ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in rich chicken stock. Ideal for chilly winter nights, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your body with protein and fiber. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried navy beans
2–3 cups chopped ham
1 white onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups shredded green cabbage
64 oz chicken stock
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
bay leaf
garlic powder
dried Italian herbs
salt & pepper

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Instructions

Soak the dried navy beans overnight in cold water; rinse before cooking.
In a large dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 4-5 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender.
Add chopped ham and cabbage; cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Season with salt to taste and serve hot after discarding the bay leaf.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 130 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American