Ham and Bean Soup: A Hearty, Healthy Classic with Rich Flavors 🥣🧆✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for healthy ham soup recipes that are both comforting and nutritious, you’ve come to the right place. This ham and bean soup combines tender leftover ham with hearty beans and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re looking for leftover country ham recipes or exploring recipes with ham in it, this soup is an excellent solution. It is easy to prepare, scalable, and packed with flavor, all while emphasizing healthy ham soup ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious ham soup healthy recipe that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup
- 2 cups cooked ham, chopped (preferably leftover ham or country ham)
- 1 cup dried navy or cannellini beans, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced potatoes or kale for added nutrition
3. Step-by-step Instructions to make the Best Ham Dishes
***Preparation of ingredients***
Start by soaking your dried beans overnight, which helps reduce cooking time and enhances digestibility. Prepare all vegetables and ham as listed in your ingredients.
***Sauté vegetables***
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
***Add beans and broth***
Pour in the soaked beans, low-sodium broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour or until cooked through. You can also check out quick recipes like egg drop soup for quick meal inspirations.
***Add ham and season***
Stir in the chopped ham and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed. For a smooth texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
***Optional: Incorporate greens or potatoes***
Feel free to add chopped kale or diced potatoes during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
This leftover ham soup crockpot recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To keep your leftovers fresh, consider using a JoyJolt airtight glass food storage set.
5. Serving Suggestions for Healthy Ham Soup
Serve your hearty ham and bean soup with crusty bread or a side of fresh salad for a complete, nourishing meal. You might also like to top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness. For more tasty ideas, check out autumn sausage pasta recipes or black bean sweet potato soup.
6. Benefits of Making Healthy Ham Soup at Home
Homemade ham soup healthy recipes like this are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for nourishing your body. Using plant-based ingredients or focusing on low-sodium broths helps keep this dish wholesome. Plus, leveraging leftovers makes it eco-friendly and economical.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Ham and Bean Soup
What are the best beans to use for ham and bean soup?
Popular options include navy beans, cannellini, or Great Northern beans, all of which absorb flavors well and create a hearty texture. For more quick cooking options, see easy egg drop soup.
Can I make this ham and bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian while maintaining great flavor.
How long can I store leftover ham and bean soup?
Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer when properly wrapped.
8. Final Tips and Variations for Your Ham and Bean Soup
Enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or hot sauce for some heat. Feel free to incorporate Korean ground beef or other protein options for a twist. For quick and efficient prep, consider using a Fullstar veggie prep to chop ingredients neatly.
9. Conclusion
This ham and bean soup recipe is a perfect example of a healthy, comforting dish that leverages leftovers and wholesome ingredients. Not only does it satisfy your taste buds, but it also provides essential nutrients to support a balanced diet. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a delicious soup recipes ham dish that the whole family can enjoy. For your kitchen arsenal, check out tools like the CROUTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set or the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to help prepare hearty soups and more. Enjoy cooking and serving this wholesome ham soup healthy recipe today!
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Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
Discover a hearty and healthy classic with this Ham and Bean Soup recipe. Loaded with tender leftover ham, nutritious beans, and fresh vegetables, this comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal. Easy to prepare and scalable, it’s an ideal solution for those seeking a healthy ham soup that’s full of flavor and rich in nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, chopped (preferably leftover ham or country ham)
- 1 cup dried navy or cannellini beans, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced potatoes or kale for added nutrition
Instructions
- Start by soaking dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Prepare all vegetables and ham as listed.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in soaked beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- Stir in chopped ham and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend part of the soup if desired for a smoother texture.
- Optional: Add chopped kale or diced potatoes during the last 15 minutes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- You can blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency.
- Add greens or potatoes towards the end of cooking for more nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
