Ham and bean soup is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty, flavorful dish has been a staple in many households for generations, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether you’re using up leftover holiday ham or starting with fresh ingredients, the combination of savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a dish that’s both nutritious and filling. Perfect for cozy nights at home or feeding a crowd, ham and bean soup is easy to make, highly customizable, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a simple, wholesome meal that brings comfort and flavor, look no further than this classic recipe.
Key Ingredients in Ham and Bean Soup
The ham and bean soup recipe can be as simple or as complex as you like. The key to a great soup lies in choosing high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the most important components:
- Beans: Choose beans like navy beans, Great Northern beans, or pinto beans. These varieties are great for soaking up the flavors of the soup and adding a creamy texture when cooked.
- Ham: For this soup, you can use leftover ham, ham hocks, or cubed ham. Each choice will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but all are delicious.
- Vegetables: Essential vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery form the base of the soup. These provide depth and aroma to the dish.
- Broth and Stock: You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water for a more neutral base. If you’re concerned about sodium, opt for low-sodium versions of broth or create your own homemade stock.
- Herbs and Spices: Common seasonings include bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. These simple additions elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
If you’re looking for tips on using leftover ham, check out this guide from Spend With Pennies for ideas on how to get the most out of your ham leftovers.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Soup
The type of ham you choose will greatly impact the flavor and texture of your soup. Here are a few options:
- Ham Hocks: Often used in traditional ham and bean soups, ham hocks add a smoky flavor and richness. They require longer cooking times but impart deep, savory notes.
- Leftover Ham: Using leftover ham from a holiday meal is a great way to reduce food waste. You can cut it into cubes or shred it, depending on your preference.
- Cubed Ham: For convenience, you can buy pre-cubed ham at the store. This option cuts down on prep time and still provides a flavorful result.
Preparing Beans for the Soup
Whether you choose dried beans or canned beans, the preparation method can affect the texture and cooking time of the soup.
- Dried Beans: Dried beans require soaking before cooking. To prepare, simply soak the beans overnight in water or use a quick-soak method by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. After soaking, cook them in your soup until tender. Dried beans tend to give the soup a creamier texture.
- Canned Beans: If you’re short on time, canned beans are a quick and convenient option. Be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium and any preservatives.
If you’re wondering about the differences between canned and dried beans, check out this article on Taste of Home that explores slow cooker soup recipes and tips for incorporating beans into your meals.
How to make the perfect Ham and Bean Soup
Making the perfect ham and bean soup involves selecting quality ingredients, following a simple cooking process, and letting the flavors develop over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried beans (such as navy, Great Northern, or pinto beans)
- 1 ham hock or 2 cups cubed ham (or leftover ham)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 cups chopped spinach or kale for added greens
Instructions:
Prepare the Beans
- If you’re using dried beans, rinse them well and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. Alternatively, use the quick-soak method: bring the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let them sit for an hour before draining.
- If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.
Cook the Vegetables and Ham
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add your ham or ham hock to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the ham to brown slightly and release its flavors.
Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the soaked beans, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- If you’re using a ham hock, you can leave it in the pot to simmer and release more flavor as it cooks.
Simmer and Cook
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes and allow a natural release.
- If the soup seems too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Final Touches
- Once the beans are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you used a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- For a richer texture, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the beans directly in the pot.
Optional: Add Greens
- If desired, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking. These greens add extra flavor and nutrition to the soup.
Tips for the Perfect Ham and Bean Soup:
- Flavor development: Let the soup simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup toward the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ham can be salty, so be cautious with additional salt.
- Use a flavorful ham: The quality of your ham will greatly influence the taste of the soup. If using leftover ham, ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Serving:
Serve your ham and bean soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also elevate the dish.
Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of ham and bean soup—perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy night in!
Cooking Variations and Substitutes
Ham and bean soup is very versatile. You can modify it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegan or Vegetarian: Use plant-based ham or simply omit the ham altogether. Add extra vegetables like spinach, potatoes, or kale for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and seasonings to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
Storing and Reheating Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and bean soup makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: Ham and bean soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and bean soup is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance the experience:
- Bread: Serve with a crusty loaf of French bread or cornbread for dipping.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your ham and bean soup turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Beans: Don’t overcook the beans, as they can become mushy and lose texture.
- Adding Too Much Salt: Remember that ham and broth may already be salty, so add salt in moderation.
- Not Simmering Long Enough: Allow enough time for the flavors to meld and develop. Patience is key for a rich, savory soup.
FAQs for Ham and Bean Soup
What makes ham and bean soup thicken?
Ham and bean soup thickens primarily from the starch released by the beans as they cook. The longer the beans cook, the more starch they release into the broth, naturally thickening the soup. Additionally, mashing some of the beans or vegetables in the soup can help create a thicker, creamier consistency. If you’re using dried beans, the soaking process helps them absorb water, which also contributes to the thickness when they cook.
Why does my ham and bean soup taste bland?
If your ham and bean soup tastes bland, it could be due to several reasons:
Under-seasoning: Beans and ham can absorb seasonings differently, so you may need to adjust the salt, pepper, and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or garlic.
Ham quality: If the ham used is too lean or not flavorful enough, the soup may lack the rich, savory taste you’re expecting. Opt for a flavorful ham hock or well-seasoned leftover ham.
Not enough cooking time: The flavors need time to meld together, so simmer the soup long enough to allow the ingredients to fully combine.
Use of broth: If you’re using water instead of broth, your soup might lack depth. Consider using chicken broth or vegetable broth for more flavor.
Can I put uncooked beans in soup?
You can put uncooked beans in soup, but you need to ensure they are properly prepared. Dried beans should be soaked overnight or quick-soaked before being added to the soup. Soaking helps the beans cook evenly and ensures they become tender. If you add uncooked dried beans directly to the soup without soaking, they may take a lot longer to cook and could result in a soupy texture that’s not ideal.
Are ham and beans healthy?
Yes, ham and beans can be a healthy meal! The combination of beans and ham provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Beans are high in fiber, which aids digestion, and are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Ham provides protein and several B vitamins, although it can be high in sodium. To make the soup even healthier, you can use low-sodium broth or lean cuts of ham and include plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach.
What is the secret ingredient to thicken soup?
Several ingredients can help thicken soup, but one popular secret ingredient is potatoes. Adding diced potatoes to your soup will break down as they cook, creating a naturally thickened, creamy texture without any added thickeners. Another option is pureeing some of the soup with an immersion blender, which will give the soup a smooth, thicker consistency. Mashed beans also work as a great thickening agent.
How to thicken ham and bean soup without cornstarch?
If you want to thicken your ham and bean soup without cornstarch, here are a few methods:
Mash the beans: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the beans directly in the pot. This will create a thicker texture while keeping the flavor intact.
Add potatoes: As mentioned earlier, potatoes are a great way to thicken soup. Simply dice and cook them in the soup until tender, then mash or blend them.
Use flour or a roux: If you don’t want to use cornstarch, you can make a roux by cooking equal parts butter and flour together, then slowly adding it to the soup to thicken it.
Add lentils or other legumes: You can incorporate lentils or additional types of beans that naturally break down as they cook and thicken the soup.
