Old Fashioned Ham And Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting ham and bean soup featuring tender ham, tender vegetables, and savory beans, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ham in water for 2 to 3 hours or until meat is tender.
- Remove meat from bones and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Add celery and carrots to the broth; simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add ham, beans, and black pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some thyme while simmering the broth. If you don’t have Great Northern beans, navy beans can be a suitable substitute. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth or rinse the beans before adding them to the soup. Adjust the seasonings to taste as the ham provides its own saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Potatoes With Cheese for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. Enjoy with a side of pickles or cornbread for a traditional touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the soup. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Ham And Bean Soup contains roughly 242 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (231% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 18g 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! This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as you may only need to simmer it long enough to warm the ham and blend the flavors.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness and include more vegetables or some diced potatoes to enhance the texture and heartiness of the soup.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If the soup turns out too thick, simply add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to ensure everything is warmed through and well combined.
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).