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Ham and Bean Soup served with crusty bread.

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Soup, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This hearty and flavorful Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make meal. It’s packed with great northern beans, savory ham, and vegetables, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cans (15.5 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed and drained great northern beans, chicken broth, cubed ham, chili powder, minced garlic, pepper, and bay leaf.
  • Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  • Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the soup is heated through.
  • Remove Bay Leaf: Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve

Notes

  • Beans: You can substitute other types of white beans, such as cannellini beans or navy beans, for the great northern beans.
  • Ham: You can use leftover ham, diced ham, or even ham hocks for this soup. If using ham hocks, remove the meat from the bones after cooking and discard the bones.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad.
  • Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.