Heartwarming Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a delightful ham and bean soup offers a comforting embrace during chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a soul-warming dish.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic recipe passed down through kitchens.

Tender ham chunks and creamy beans dance together in a rich, savory broth.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of seasoning elevate every spoonful.

Storage Guidelines for Easy Ham and Bean Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated soup stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Frozen soup maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken stock if soup appears too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use canned beans instead of fresh beans?

Yes, canned white beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup to reduce sodium content.

• Is ham hock necessary for this recipe?

Not mandatory. If unavailable, you can substitute with additional diced ham or use ham bone for extra flavor depth.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add diced potatoes during the vegetable sautéing stage or include additional vegetables like celery to increase nutrition and substance.

• Can this soup be made vegetarian?

Replace ham with smoked tofu or plant-based ham alternative, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Easy Ham and Bean Soup Essentials

• Tackle Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this ham and bean soup a breeze to prepare for busy home cooks.
• Nourish Completely: Packed with protein from ham and beans, this soup provides a hearty, filling meal that satisfies hunger and delivers essential nutrients.
• Warm Comfort: Perfect for chilly days, this soup offers a cozy, comforting dining experience that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Customize Easily: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra vegetables or adjusting seasonings to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Easy Ham and Bean Soup

• White Beans: A hearty legume that provides creamy texture and protein to the soup.
• Ham, Ham Hock: Delivers rich, savory flavor and depth to the soup's overall taste profile.
• Chicken Stock: Forms the liquid base that helps blend and enhance all other ingredients.

• Carrots, Onions: Create a flavorful foundation with sweet and savory undertones for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor that complements the meat and beans.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Introduces an earthy and herbal note to the soup's flavor complexity.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and subtle background flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Contribute a subtle herbal depth to the soup's overall taste.
• Minced Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and light herbal notes.

How to Make Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Warm the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, creating a perfect base for your delicious soup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add carrots and onions to the pot.

Cook and stir until onions turn soft and slightly transparent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Aromatics

Toss in garlic and fresh thyme, stirring quickly to prevent burning and to wake up the kitchen with amazing aromas.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

• White beans with their liquid
• Chicken stock
• Diced ham
• Ham hock
• Bay leaves

Stir everything together, creating a rich and hearty soup foundation.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the soup bubble gently for 10-15 minutes.

Watch as the liquid thickens and the ingredients mingle, creating a mouthwatering blend.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper.

Adjust seasonings until the flavor makes your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle minced parsley over the top, stirring gently to distribute the bright green herb.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips for Easy Ham and Bean Soup

• Rinse white beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring a cleaner and more refined soup texture.
• Choose low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels, making the soup more diet-friendly and heart-healthy.
• Remove ham hock meat after cooking and chop it finely for extra protein and a more uniform meat distribution throughout the soup.
• Consider using smoked ham for deeper, richer flavor profiles that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Swap ham with vegetable stock and plant-based protein like tempeh for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the soup's hearty character.

Variations of Easy Ham and Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace ham and ham hock with smoked tofu or plant-based ham alternative for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-style bean soup with extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply with minimal active preparation.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Soup: Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth, add diced tomatoes, oregano, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean profile.

Pairing Ideas for Easy Ham and Bean Soup

• Tear into a warm, tangy sourdough slice that perfectly complements the soup's rich, hearty flavors. Its crispy crust and soft interior will soak up the delicious broth, adding texture and depth to each spoonful.
• Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness. The wine's bright, acidic notes will balance the saltiness of the ham and provide a light, clean counterpoint to the robust soup.
• Sprinkle aged cheddar on top or serve alongside the soup for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese's tangy, nutty profile will enhance the ham's smokiness and add a creamy element to the dish.

Easy Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and bean soup delivers comfort on chilly days with rich, smoky flavors. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal using simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups diced smoked ham
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 4 14.5 oz (411 g) cans white beans
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken stock
• 3 carrots (small dice)
• 1 small onion (small dice)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1/4 cup minced parsley
• kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a 5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Add carrots and onions to the hot oil, sautéing for 5 minutes until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften.
3. Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, allowing their aromatic flavors to release into the vegetables.
4. Pour white beans with their liquid, chicken stock, diced ham, ham hock, and bay leaves into the pot, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Reduce heat and simmer the soup for 12-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly thicken.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Remove bay leaves and ham hock from the soup.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, gently stirring to distribute evenly.
9. Serve the soup hot, ensuring each bowl captures the rich, hearty essence of the dish.

Notes

• Enhance bean texture by soaking dried beans overnight, reducing cooking time and improving digestibility.
• Swap ham with smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Add a splash of white wine during vegetable sautéing to deepen the soup’s complexity and introduce subtle aromatic undertones.
• For a gluten-free version, verify chicken stock ingredients and ensure all components meet dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simming
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg