Easy Ham and Bean Soup
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
553 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
Easy Ham and Bean Soup
Description
Easy Ham and Bean Soup combines canned Great Northern beans and smoked ham with a ham hock to achieve a deep, smoky flavor profile. The soup starts by sautéing carrots, onions, garlic, and thyme to form a flavorful vegetable base. Adding bay leaves during simmering layers in herbal undertones while the ham hock infuses the broth with smoky richness. The beans thicken the soup to a satisfying consistency, and diced smoked ham adds protein and texture throughout.
The soup cooks gently until flavors meld and it slightly thickens, yielding a hearty and rustic dish. Seasoned simply with kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh minced parsley, the soup balances smoky, earthy, and aromatic elements. It is wholesome and straightforward, relying on quality canned beans and smoked meats for convenience without sacrificing taste.
This soup serves well hot, especially during cooler seasons or as a comforting meal. It can be accompanied by crusty bread for dipping or served on its own. The recipe's use of pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients makes it practical for homemade lunches or dinners.
The soup freezes well for up to three months; when reheating, add chicken stock if it becomes too thick. Navy or cannellini beans may be substituted for Great Northern beans depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium carrot small dice
- 1 small onion small dice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon thyme fresh leaves
- 4 (15.5 ounce) Great Northern white beans 62 ounces in total, canned
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups smoked ham diced
- 1 ham hock smoked
- 2 bay leaves dried
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt more if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a 5-quart soup pot and set over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot add in the carrots and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions just start to soften and turn translucent.
- Add in the garlic and thyme leaves and stir to combine.
- To the pot add all the beans with the juice from their cans, chicken stock, diced ham, ham hock, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes or until it's slightly thickened.
- Taste and season with the desired amount of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Stir in parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Canned Great Northern beans can be swapped with navy or cannellini beans as preferred.
- Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months and reheat gently; thin with chicken stock if too thick.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 553 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6servings | |
| Calories | 553kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 71g | 24% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 1160mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 1400mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 16g | 64% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 5368IU | 107% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 189mg | 19% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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