Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup—a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy nights in. Made with tender ham, hearty beans, and flavorful vegetables, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own or a delightful starter to any dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of a simmering pot of soup—rich, savory, and oh-so-inviting. That’s exactly what awaits you with our Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the flavors of tender ham, creamy beans, and hearty vegetables—a taste of comfort that warms you from the inside out.

Resume of the recipe:

Prepare to be delighted by our Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup—a comforting classic that’s simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. Featuring tender chunks of ham, creamy beans, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. What sets our soup apart is its homemade goodness and hearty ingredients, making it a comforting staple for cold winter nights or lazy Sundays at home.

Exciting Story:

In our household, Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. I can still recall the days when my grandmother would simmer a pot of this soup on the stove, filling our home with its irresistible aroma. Now, I carry on the tradition, making this soup for my own family and watching as they gather around the table, eager for a taste of home.

Why This ‘Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup’:

• Comfort in Every Bowl: Our Hearty Ham and Bean Soup offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures, perfect for warming you up on cold days or soothing your soul after a long day.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like ham, beans, vegetables, and broth, this soup is easy to make and budget-friendly.
• Versatile and Filling: Whether enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a satisfying starter, this soup is versatile and sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
• Homemade Goodness: With its homemade flavor and wholesome ingredients, our soup brings a taste of comfort and nostalgia to every spoonful.

Selling Points:

Why This ‘Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup’

Underneath the title, write the selling points of the recipe. Explain what makes it unique, what ingredients are used, and what flavors to expect.

What i need to make Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add Ham and Broth: Stir in diced cooked ham and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Simmer Soup: Add drained and rinsed white beans and dried thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips For Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup:

• Bean Varieties: Feel free to use any variety of white beans you prefer, such as cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or navy beans.
• Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from holiday dinners or special occasions. Simply dice the ham and add it to the soup for added flavor and protein.
• Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a smoky depth of flavor to the soup by using smoked ham or adding a splash of liquid smoke to the broth.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth before serving.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup:

• Low-Sodium Broth: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup.
• Lean Protein: Choose lean, low-sodium ham or turkey ham to reduce the fat content of the soup while still adding protein and flavor.
• Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of the soup by adding extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added vitamins and minerals.

“And there you have it—a taste of comfort and nostalgia with our Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Whether enjoyed as a cozy meal on a cold winter’s night or a hearty starter to your favorite dinner, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. So grab a spoon, cozy up, and savor the homemade goodness of this classic comfort food!”

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Can I use different types of beans in this soup? Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, to add variety to the soup.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal? This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of cooked rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot by sautéing the vegetables and ham before adding them to the pot and adjusting the cooking times accordingly.

How do I store leftover soup? Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, bell peppers, or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of all packaged ingredients, such as broth and ham, to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Homestyle Goodness

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham, diced (leftover ham or ham hock for added flavor)

• 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight

• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned.
• Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
• Pour in the soaked and drained navy and pinto beans.
• Add chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and discard the bay leaf.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.