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 delightful new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold winter day and offers a heartwarming blend of flavors that everyone will love. It’s suitable for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to gatherings with friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep work and straightforward steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in no time.
Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of ham, beans, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover ham or customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. It’s a great way to reduce food waste!
Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into our Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. Preparing this dish is easy with just a few essential kitchen items.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large dutch oven pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large dutch oven pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning them.
Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot.

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)

Broth and Seasonings

64 ounces Chicken Stock
14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
1 Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
Fresh Cracked Pepper

Additions

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 the dried beans thoroughly under cold water.
Cover the beans with several inches of water in a bowl. Soak them overnight for optimal texture.
After soaking, rinse the beans again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot over high heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes while stirring until softened.
Incorporate 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 fresh cracked pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot slightly ajar and let it cook for about 90 minutes. Check the consistency of beans; if they are still firm, cook 30 minutes longer.

Step 4: Finish with Ham and Cabbage

Remove the lid after cooking time has elapsed.
Stir in chopped ham and shredded green cabbage; cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Taste and adjust salt as needed before serving (remember that ham can be salty). Discard bay leaf before enjoying your soup!

Enjoy this comforting Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, perfect for using up that leftover holiday ham while providing warmth on chilly days!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can be as delightful as making it. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

Serve slices of fresh crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping. The texture of the bread complements the creamy soup perfectly.

With a Side Salad

A light green salad adds freshness. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and make it visually appealing.

With Grated Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, on top of the soup. This adds a rich creaminess that pairs well with the beans.

Served in a Bread Bowl

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and is perfect for soaking up every last drop.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Soak Beans Overnight: Soaking helps beans cook evenly and reduces cooking time significantly.
Use Homemade Stock: Opting for homemade chicken stock can enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust garlic powder, herbs, and salt based on your preference.
Simmer Gently: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the beans.
Add Vegetables Variably: Feel free to include other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for added nutrition and taste.
Store Properly: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can create a complete meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory soup. Bake it fresh for best results.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings additional color and nutrients to your table.
Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides a cool complement to the warm soup.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is an excellent side that kids love, adding variety to your meal.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers freshness and texture that balances well with the richness of ham and beans.

These sides not only pair well but also make your meal more satisfying!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using leftover ham in your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can be delightful, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

Not soaking the beans: Skipping the soaking step can lead to tough beans. Always soak them overnight for the best texture.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning may result in bland soup. Always check for saltiness, especially with salty ham.
Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add cabbage towards the end of cooking for a nice crunch.
Using low-quality stock: Poor-quality chicken stock affects flavor significantly. Opt for homemade or organic options for a richer taste.
Rushing the cooking time: Not allowing enough time for simmering can leave beans undercooked. Be patient; good soup takes time!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Ham and Bean Soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Ham and Bean Soup Recipe:

Can I use canned beans instead?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

How do I make my Ham and Bean Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot while cooking, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

What type of ham works best?

Any leftover ham works well! Smoked or honey-baked hams add wonderful flavors to your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only perfect for using up leftover holiday ham but is also a warm, comforting meal that brings joy during cold winter days. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, ensuring it’s tailored to your taste buds. Give it a try; you’ll love how deliciously versatile it is!

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Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting classic with this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup combines tender navy beans, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that warms both body and soul. This easy-to-follow recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein and fiber. It’s versatile enough to be served at family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and simplicity of this cozy meal while minimizing food waste!

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 oz chicken stock
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded green cabbage
2–3 cups chopped ham
bay leaf
garlic powder
dried Italian herbs
fresh cracked pepper

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Instructions

Rinse beans under cold water and soak overnight in a bowl filled with water.
In a large dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer.
Cook covered with lid slightly ajar for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir in ham and cabbage; cook for another 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American