How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to transform your ham leftovers into a delicious new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold Winter day, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Comforting Flavor: The combination of ham, beans, and vegetables creates a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the beans, this soup is not just filling but also healthy.
Great for Leftovers: Perfectly uses up leftover ham while providing a dish that tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking for your soup.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of your hearty soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
3 Tablespoons Oil
1 White Onion, (chopped)
4 Carrots, (chopped)
2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
64 ounces Chicken Stock
14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

Seasonings

1 Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
Fresh Cracked Pepper

Final Touches

2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
Salt – to taste (if needed)

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse dried beans thoroughly under cold water.
Cover with several inches of water in a bowl and soak overnight.
After soaking, rinse the beans again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add soaked beans to the pot along with chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cracked pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer.
Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender. If beans remain firm, cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

Once beans are cooked through, remove the lid.
Stir in chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook for another 15–20 minutes.
Taste before serving; adjust salt if necessary depending on ham’s saltiness.
Discard bay leaf prior to serving.

This hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your Ham and Bean Soup is an opportunity to enhance the meal with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

Fresh Baguette: Serve warm, crusty baguette slices for dipping into the soup. It adds a satisfying crunch.
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Chives or Green Onions: Add chopped chives or green onions for a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.

Accompanied by a Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the hearty soup with its crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

With Cheese

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup before serving for a creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the umami flavor without overpowering the dish.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To make your Ham and Bean Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. Small adjustments can lead to big improvements in flavor and texture.

Soak Your Beans: Soaking beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time. This leads to a creamier texture in your soup.
Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken stock for richer flavor. Store-bought versions can be too salty or bland.
Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your soup before adding salt, as ham can be quite salty. This ensures perfect seasoning every time.
Add More Vegetables: Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor depth.
Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding ham and cabbage.
Let it Sit: Allow the soup to sit for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This helps flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Ham and Bean Soup can turn it into a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory soup, making it ideal for dipping.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and are packed with nutrients, complementing the heartiness of the soup.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers a cool, rich side that balances out the warm, hearty soup.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds textural variety while its tangy dressing brightens up the meal.
Rice Pilaf: Light rice pilaf adds fluffiness to your plate; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover broth from the soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with grains or meats make an excellent side option that’s filling yet not overpowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans can lead to a longer cooking time and tougher texture. Always soak your dried beans overnight.
Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe and add ingredients in stages as directed.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland soup. Remember to taste before serving!
Not checking bean doneness: Cooking beans for too long or too short affects texture. Check for doneness regularly during cooking.
Using old beans: Old dried beans may not soften properly. Always check the expiration date on your beans before using them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in airtight containers.
It will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in a covered oven-safe dish and heat until warm, about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes! If you prefer quicker preparation, use two cans of drained beans instead of dried beans. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I customize my Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or incorporate spices such as cumin for extra flavor.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ham and replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What should I serve with Ham and Bean Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not just a wonderful way to use leftover ham; it’s also an incredibly versatile dish that you can customize according to your taste. With its warm flavors, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep on chilly days. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients!

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Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a heartwarming Ham and Bean Soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a delightful blend of tender ham, creamy beans, and hearty vegetables, each spoonful warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham while delivering a meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried navy beans
3 tablespoons oil
1 white onion (chopped)
4 carrots (chopped)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
64 ounces chicken stock
14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded green cabbage
2–3 cups chopped ham
Seasonings: bay leaf, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, fresh cracked pepper

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Instructions

Rinse and soak the dried beans overnight in water.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over high heat; sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender.
Add chopped ham and cabbage; cook for an additional 15–20 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American