Bean Ham Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean and ham soup packed with vegetables and savory broth. The combination of ham, beans, and fresh spinach creates a comforting dish perfect for warming up on cool days. Its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients make it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ham, cubed ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, diced ⓘ
- 3 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cans navy beans ⓘ
- 1 can white kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can chicken broth
- 1/2 bag fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Remove 1 1/2 cups of beans and mash them; set aside.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, diced celery, sliced carrots, and sliced zucchini; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cubed ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and water.
- Add basil and salt; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Add the remaining beans and mashed beans to the soup; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of ham. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth. You can also swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Adjust the spices according to your taste; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Bean Ham Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light dish like Parslied Potatoes for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. The flavors will meld even more after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Ham Soup contains roughly 333 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1540mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.
What type of beans can I use?
You can use any variety of beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans, if you don't have navy or white kidney beans on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different beans may require different cooking times.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the vegetables. You can also use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor profile while giving it a spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).