Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
204 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Description
The Hearty Ham and Bean Soup starts by browning a ham bone in butter and olive oil to develop a rich base. Vegetables including carrots, celery, and onion soften to provide sweetness and body, followed by garlic for depth. Cannellini beans and diced ham contribute texture and meatiness. The soup is flavored with dried Italian herbs and warm spices like cumin, thyme, and rosemary, optionally accented by red pepper flakes.
Chicken broth and water create the cooking liquid into which the ham bone and vegetables simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the bean starches and ham flavors to meld. After cooking, the ham bone and bay leaves are removed to leave a thick, savory broth with soft beans and tender ham pieces.
This soup is an excellent way to use leftover ham and can be served as a filling lunch or light dinner. It pairs well with rustic bread for dipping. The method accommodates substitutions if a ham bone isn’t available, such as ham shank, ham hock, or extra diced ham. It can also be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot using similar steps.
Storage and reheating guidance includes simmering gently to avoid scorching and removing bones before serving. The recipe balances herbs and spices to avoid overwhelming the natural ham and bean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ham bone check below for substitutions
- 2 carrot chopped
- 2 talks celery chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans rinsed and drained well
- 2 cups diced ham from leftover spiral ham, or store-bought ham steaks, cooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp rosemary dried
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth reduced sodium
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves optional, dried
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large dutch oven or stockpot over MED HIGH. Once hot, add the ham bone and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Set ham bone aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to MED, and add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Add garlic and cook another minute.
- Add beans, diced ham, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, black pepper, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in chicken broth, water, and add bay leaves (if using), then give everything a gentle stir.
- Return ham bone to the pot, nestling it in, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate (those are full of flavor).
- Increase heat to MED HIGH and cover. Once soup has come to a high simmer or gentle boil, reduce heat to MED LOW and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, as the beans and ham can settle to the bottom and you don't want them to scorch.
- Remove ham bone and bay leaves (if used), and give the soup a taste. If needed, add a pinch of salt. Ham bones contain a lot of sodium, so I prefer to add the salt afterwards, if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- If no ham bone is available, ham shank, ham hock, or extra diced ham can be used to maintain meatiness and flavor.
- Using a ham bone adds depth but leftover diced ham alone can still make a good soup; increase ham amount if skipping the bone.
- Cooking options include stove-top simmering, slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or pressure cooking in an Instant Pot for 7 minutes.
- Remove ham bone and bay leaves before serving to ensure smooth texture and prevent bitterness.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent beans and ham from settling and scorching at the bottom.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 204 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 204kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 991mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 505mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 3558IU | 71% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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