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A hearty bowl of ham and bean soup featuring chunks of pink ham, cream-colored beans, and vibrant vegetables like carrots and celery. The soup is garnished with fresh herbs and served in a rustic white bowl on a wooden table, with a spoon resting beside it and a piece of crusty bread in the background.

Ham and Bean Soup

  • Author: Maria
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Start by soaking dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Prepare all vegetables and ham as listed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/ham-and-bean-soup/