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 delicious and comforting meal. This easy, healthy dish is perfect for a cold winter day, offering warmth and heartiness with every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers flavor and satisfaction.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking effortless.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of ham, beans, and vegetables creates a rich, savory taste that warms the soul.
Versatile Ingredient Use: Perfect for using leftover holiday ham, making it an excellent choice for reducing food waste.
Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and healthy.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the hearty flavors, making it a hit for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you prepare this soup efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Dutch oven pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large Dutch oven pot: Ideal for simmering soups; its heavy bottom ensures even cooking without burning.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and easy, ensuring clean cuts for uniform cooking.

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)
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

For the Protein and Greens

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 dried beans under cold water to remove any debris.
Cover beans with several inches of water in a large bowl.
Soak beans overnight then rinse again before using.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven pot over high heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring.
Incorporate finely chopped garlic; sauté for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the pot, add rinsed beans along with chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
Cover the pot slightly ajar; cook for about 90 minutes. Check bean consistency; if still firm, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

Remove the lid from the pot; add chopped ham and shredded cabbage.
Cook uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until cabbage wilts.
Taste soup; add salt as needed based on ham’s saltiness. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Ham and Bean Soup!

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your Ham and Bean Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a cozy dining experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Artisan Bread – A warm loaf of artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Bread – Serve with garlic bread for a flavorful twist that complements the soup.

Add a Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup.
Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with vinaigrette can brighten up the meal.

Top it Off

Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh finish.
Grated Cheese – Adding shredded cheese gives a creamy texture that pairs well with the soup.

Serve with Crackers

Saltines – Classic saltine crackers add a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
Cheese Crackers – These add flavor and pair wonderfully with the ham and bean mixture.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup turns out delicious every time, here are some helpful tips.

Soak Beans Overnight – Soaking beans softens them, leading to even cooking and better texture.
Use Quality Broth – A good-quality chicken stock enhances the flavor of your soup significantly.
Adjust Seasonings – Taste before serving; you may want more herbs or spices based on your preference.
Add Vegetables – Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to avoid overcooking the beans.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Complementing your Ham and Bean Soup with suitable side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Cornbread – This sweet bread pairs perfectly with savory soups, adding warmth and comfort.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your dining table.
Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad contrasts nicely with the hot soup, providing a refreshing side.
Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a nice textural contrast while adding brightness to the meal.
Stuffed Peppers – These can serve as a heartier side dish filled with grains or meats that complement the soup.
Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad dressed in olive oil can be a delightful addition, balancing flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to a longer cooking time and firmer texture. Always soak your beans to ensure they cook evenly.
Adding salt too early: Adding salt at the start can cause the beans to toughen up. Wait until the end of cooking to adjust the saltiness.
Ignoring bean consistency: Checking the beans for doneness is crucial. If they are still firm, give them extra time before adding ham and cabbage.
Neglecting flavor layers: Adding all ingredients at once can result in a less flavorful soup. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery first to build depth in flavor.
Forgetting to remove bay leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in when serving can lead to a bitter taste. Remember to discard it before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Ham and Bean Soup Recipe in an airtight container.
It will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a lid, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans. Just reduce cooking time since they’re already cooked.

How long does this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe take?

The total time is approximately 8 hours 10 minutes, including soaking time.

What if I don’t have navy beans?

You can substitute with Great Northern or pinto beans as alternatives.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only perfect for using up leftover ham but also brings warmth on chilly days. Its versatility allows for customization; feel free to add vegetables or spices that you love. Give it a try – it’s sure to become a comforting go-to meal!

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Ham and Bean Soup

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Transform your leftover holiday ham into a warm and comforting Ham and Bean Soup Recipe that is both easy to make and full of flavor. This hearty dish is perfect for cold winter days, offering a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With a blend of nutritious ingredients like navy beans, fresh vegetables, and savory ham, this soup not only reduces food waste but also packs a protein punch. Enjoy it as a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week ahead; either way, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

Instructions

Rinse and soak the dried beans overnight in water.
In a large Dutch oven pot, heat oil over high heat and sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 90 minutes.
Stir in chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until cabbage wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American