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Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

Ham And Bean Soup

This Ham And Bean Soup Recipe is an easy, homemade, one-pot meal—hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly winter evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried navy beans or 3 15 oz cans white beans, drained & rinsed (for dried, soak overnight)
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham about 10–12 oz; leftover holiday ham or smoked ham
  • 1 large yellow onion diced (use Vidalia for sweetness)
  • 2 medium carrots peeled & sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for less salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 Tbsp fresh, chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds warmth; omit if you prefer mild
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Drain your soaked navy beans and rinse under cold water. (Tip: for a quick-soak, cover beans with water, bring to a boil 1 min, then remove from heat and steep 1 hr.)
  • Warm olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery; cook 5 mins until veggies soften.
  • Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika for 1 min until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell like home.
  • Toss in drained beans, diced ham, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to maintain a slow bubble. Simmer uncovered for about 1 hr—just enough time to chat with a friend or prep a side salad. Skim foam from the surface if needed.
  • Once beans are soft, fish out bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper—remember, ham can be salty, so taste before extra salt.
  • If you crave extra body, use a KitchenAid immersion blender to mash about 1 cup of soup in the pot, then stir to swirl in that gentle creaminess.
  • Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and maybe a crack of black pepper. Grab crusty bread and dig in!

Notes

For a thicker consistency, consider mashing some beans. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal
Keyword Comfort Food, Ham and Bean Soup, Soup, Winter Recipe
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