This old-fashioned Ham and Bean Soup combines tender white beans with smoky ham for a hearty and comforting meal. It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover holiday ham, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans (or small white beans or great northern beans)
- 1 ham bone with meat (from a spiral ham or a smoked ham hock)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups water
- 2 large carrots, diced
Directions:
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse and drain the dried beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water by about 4 inches, and soak for 8-12 hours. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans.
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the soaked beans, ham bone, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and 6 cups of water.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Add Carrots: Add the diced carrots to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Finish: Once the beans and carrots are tender, remove the ham bone from the slow cooker. Strip any remaining meat from the bone, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the soup. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
The Origins of Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and bean soup is a dish with deep roots in American and European cuisine. It has been a staple meal for generations, often prepared after large gatherings or holidays when leftover ham is abundant. The combination of beans and ham provides a nourishing, protein-rich meal that has been enjoyed for centuries. Historically, variations of this soup have been found in many cultures, from French cassoulet to Appalachian ham and bean soup, showing its versatility and adaptability in different regions.
Why This Soup is So Popular
One of the reasons ham and bean soup is beloved by so many is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and a leftover ham bone, you can create a flavorful and hearty meal that feeds a crowd. This dish is budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families looking for affordable yet satisfying meals. The long cooking process allows the flavors to develop, giving the soup a deep, rich taste that is both comforting and delicious.
The Role of Ham in This Recipe
Ham is the key ingredient that infuses the soup with its signature smoky, savory taste. Using a ham bone with some meat still attached is ideal, as it adds depth of flavor and richness to the broth. The marrow and collagen in the bone break down during cooking, creating a velvety texture. If a ham bone isn’t available, smoked ham hocks or diced ham are great alternatives that still provide excellent results.
The Best Beans for This Soup
While there are several types of beans that work well in ham and bean soup, navy beans are the most commonly used due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. Other varieties, such as great northern beans or cannellini beans, are also excellent choices. These beans hold their shape well and provide a hearty bite, ensuring that the soup remains thick and satisfying.
How Slow Cooking Enhances the Flavor
Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a deep and robust flavor profile. The gentle simmering process extracts every bit of goodness from the ham bone, resulting in a broth that is packed with nutrients and umami. Additionally, slow cooking softens the beans perfectly, giving them a creamy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the soup.
Why Soaking Beans is Important
Soaking dried beans before cooking helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility. It also helps remove some of the natural sugars in beans that can cause digestive discomfort. If time allows, soaking beans overnight is the best method, but a quick soak—boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour—can be used as an alternative.
How to Store Leftovers
One of the best things about ham and bean soup is that it tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as the soup sits, making leftovers a treat. To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to five days. For longer storage, the soup freezes well for up to three months.
How to Reheat the Soup
Reheating ham and bean soup is simple and requires little effort. For the best results, warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, adding a bit of water or broth will help restore its consistency. Microwaving is another option, though using a stovetop ensures even heating.
How to Make This Recipe Heartier
If you’re looking to make this soup even more filling, there are several ways to enhance it. Adding diced potatoes, barley, or even rice can turn it into a more substantial meal. Some cooks also like to stir in a handful of chopped greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Vegetable Variations for Extra Flavor
While the traditional recipe includes basic aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery, there’s plenty of room for customization. Adding bell peppers, tomatoes, or even corn can introduce new flavors and textures. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon at the end can also brighten up the soup’s flavor.
Using a Ham Hock Instead of a Ham Bone
If a ham bone isn’t available, a smoked ham hock is an excellent substitute. It provides a similar depth of smoky flavor while also adding richness to the broth. Once the soup is done cooking, the meat from the ham hock can be shredded and mixed back into the soup for added texture.
How to Thicken the Soup
Some people prefer their ham and bean soup to be thicker, while others enjoy a brothier consistency. To thicken the soup, mashing some of the beans or using an immersion blender to partially puree it can help achieve the desired texture. Letting the soup simmer uncovered for a little longer can also naturally reduce and thicken the broth.
Pairing This Soup with the Right Side Dishes
Ham and bean soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Classic options include cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy dressing can provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
How to Make a Low-Sodium Version
For those watching their sodium intake, this soup can be modified by using a low-sodium broth and rinsing the beans thoroughly before cooking. Reducing the amount of added salt and using fresh herbs and spices for seasoning can also help create a flavorful yet lower-sodium version of the dish.
Making a Vegetarian Version
Although ham is the star ingredient, it is possible to make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the meat and using a rich vegetable broth instead. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help mimic the smoky flavor of ham. Extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini can add texture and heartiness to the dish.
Instant Pot and Stovetop Variations
While slow cooking is a popular method for making ham and bean soup, it can also be prepared in an Instant Pot for a faster cooking time. Using the pressure cook function can have the soup ready in about an hour, making it a great option for busy days. Alternatively, cooking it on the stovetop in a large Dutch oven works well for those who prefer traditional methods.
How to Make This Soup Spicier
For those who enjoy a little heat, adding some spice to this soup can elevate its flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce can add just the right amount of kick without overpowering the dish. Spicy andouille sausage can also be incorporated for extra heat and depth of flavor.
Why This Soup is a Great Meal Prep Option
Ham and bean soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping due to its ability to store well and reheat beautifully. Making a large batch at the beginning of the week ensures quick and easy meals throughout the week. It also freezes well, making it perfect for busy schedules.
A Comforting Dish for Cold Weather
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of ham and bean soup on a cold day. The warm, savory broth and tender beans provide the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Conclusion
Ham and bean soup is a timeless, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients to create a meal full of rich flavors and hearty textures. Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday meal or making it from scratch, this soup is an excellent way to create something delicious and nourishing. With its endless variations and adaptability, it remains a favorite in kitchens everywhere. From its deep flavors to its budget-friendly nature, this soup is a must-try for anyone looking for a warm and satisfying meal.