Ham And Bean Soup Or Ham And Potato Soup
A hearty, comforting soup loaded with ham, beans, and vegetables, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, add ham cubed into 1/4 to 3/8-inch pieces, pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped celery, carrots, onion, and navy beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- While the soup simmers, thicken milk with flour and add to the pot to enhance creaminess.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using leftover ham from holiday meals. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ham with mushrooms and add extra spices. You can substitute navy beans with cannellini beans if needed. Adjust the thickness by varying the flour and milk mixture to your liking for creaminess. This soup pairs beautifully with American recipes like Cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty ham and bean soup is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider pairing it with a light side like Rice Pilaf (Microwave) for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 broth or water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Bean Soup Or Ham And Potato Soup contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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, you can use dried navy beans, but they will need to be soaked and cooked separately before adding them to the soup. This might take a few hours, so plan ahead for better texture and flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or even greens like spinach or kale. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all vegetables are tender.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).