Ham And Lima Bean Soup
Ham and Lima Bean Soup offers hearty comfort with tender ham, creamy lima beans, and a touch of spice from green chilies. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a satisfying and flavorful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped ham, canned lima beans, canned tomatoes with green chilies, and canned corn in a pot.
- Cook on the stove for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients. If you don't have lima beans, you can substitute with great northern or navy beans. For a spicier kick, try using diced jalapeños in place of regular green chilies. This soup can easily become a hearty One Dish Dinner by adding cooked rice or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Green String Beans for a complete dinner. For a brunch option, serve alongside a Brunch Egg Bake to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Lima Bean Soup contains roughly 189 calories, with 10g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 9g 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 leftover ham for this recipe?
Absolutely, leftover ham is perfect for this soup! In fact, using precooked ham enhances the flavor and saves time. Just ensure it is chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of water. You might also want to add some extra beans or vegetables for protein and texture.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the lima beans with a fork or use a hand blender to puree a portion of the soup. 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).