Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beans (if using dried beans)

If you’re using dried beans, the first step is to soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. The next day, drain and rinse the beans before using them in the soup. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans—just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Broth

Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced ham to the pot, stirring to combine. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. If you’re using dried beans, add them at this point as well. Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. If you’re using dried beans, let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded. If you’re using canned beans, the soup will only need to simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Add Vinegar (Optional)

Once the beans are tender and the soup is ready, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little tang, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a burst of brightness and acidity, which helps balance out the richness of the ham.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.

Tips for the Best Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

• Soak Your Beans: Soaking dried beans overnight helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. If you forget to soak the beans, you can also use the quick-soak method by bringing them to a boil in water, then letting them sit for 1 hour before draining and adding to the soup.
• Leftover Ham: This soup is an excellent way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal or Sunday roast. The ham adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup, so it’s the perfect addition.
• Make it in a Slow Cooker: To make this soup even easier, you can cook it in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and let it simmer until the beans are tender and the flavors are rich.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to suit your taste. Kale, spinach, or potatoes are great additions to this soup and will only make it more hearty and filling.
• Use Different Beans: While white beans are classic in ham and bean soup, you can also use other beans like pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans for a different flavor and texture.

Why You Should Make Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavors that get better the longer it simmers. This soup is perfect for cold days, meal prepping, or using up leftovers in a creative way. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the ingredients are simple, making it a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.

With its smoky ham, tender beans, and flavorful broth, Hearty Ham and Bean Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you make it with leftover holiday ham or from scratch, this soup is a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, the next time you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s both filling and flavorful, whip up a pot of Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. It’s a bowl of warmth and comfort that will leave you and your loved ones satisfied and happy.