Mom'S Ham-Bean Chowder
A hearty, comforting ham and bean chowder packed with savory flavors, tender beans, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 2 qt water ⓘ
- 1 ham shank (4 lb) ⓘ
- 16 oz can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 whole cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cans condensed chicken broth (10¾ oz each) ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the dried Great Northern beans.
- Cover the beans with water in a 6-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans, reserving the liquid.
- Return the beans to the saucepan; add 4 cups of the reserved liquid, the ham shank, chopped onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, cloves, bay leaf, pepper, and the condensed chicken broth combined with enough water to measure 6 cups.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for 2 to 2½ hours or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat, bay leaf, and cloves from the soup.
- Cut the meat off the bone and return it to the soup.
- Skim off any fat from the surface.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier texture, you can add diced potatoes or carrots alongside the beans. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used, just reduce the cooking time. Substitute the ham shank with a smoked turkey leg for a lighter option. Using low-sodium chicken broth will help control the saltiness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder is perfect served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with Elain's Zucchini Casserole for a delightful contrast in flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the dish's appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as it thickens when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Ham-Bean Chowder contains roughly 1148 calories, with 32g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1970mg per serving (86% 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 use different types of beans in this chowder?
Yes, while Great Northern beans are traditional, you can substitute with other beans like cannellini or navy beans. Just ensure they are dried and follow the soaking and cooking instructions for best results.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham shank and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, consider adding vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Is this chowder freezable?
Yes, this chowder freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
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).