Chunky Style Ham And Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting ham and bean soup packed with tender potatoes, celery, and onion, perfect for summer picnics or cold winter days. Rich in flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes, celery, and onion until soft, saving the water for the soup.
- Add the Great Northern beans to the boiled vegetables and water.
- Add more water if necessary.
- Break chunks of ham into the soup, then add parsley and pepper.
- Do not add salt due to the ham's saltiness.
- Add additional water if needed and simmer on low until hot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a smoked ham hock or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If Great Northern beans aren't available, navy beans make a great substitute. You can also add diced carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Make sure to save some of the potato water as it adds flavor and thickness to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Potato Skin Casserole for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top just before serving. Enjoy with a side of cornbread for a classic combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm it over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Style Ham And Bean Soup contains roughly 751 calories, with 12g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 11g 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, if you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding to the soup. This may take longer, but will enhance the flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for ham?
If you don't have ham, diced turkey or chicken can work well as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, use smoked tofu or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables for a hearty, flavor-packed soup.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).