Bean Soup With Ham(This Is A Good Soup For A Cold Day.)
A hearty, comforting bean and ham soup perfect for cold days, featuring tender beans, savory ham, and fragrant parsley, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, combine beans, ham, onion, seasonings, and plenty of water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 2 hours.
- Mash the mixture with a potato masher to desired consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider substituting some of the beans with lentils or adding diced vegetables like carrots and celery. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a piece of smoked sausage or bacon. Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of the ham used. This bean soup pairs well with My Own Southern Style Buttermilk Cornbread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bean soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side salad or alongside Pork Chop-Apple Bake for a comforting, hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Soup With Ham(This Is A Good Soup For A Cold Day.) contains roughly 107 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them towards the end of the cooking process, just to heat through while allowing the flavors to meld.
What if I don't have ham on hand?
If you don't have ham, you could use smoked turkey or sausage for a similar flavor. Alternatively, try adding a spoonful of liquid smoke for a smoky taste without meat.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This bean soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
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).