Quick Ham And Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting ham and bean soup bursting with savory flavors, perfect for chilly days. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, coarsely chop carrots, celery, onion, and ham.
- In a 3-quart Dutch oven, heat just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the chopped ham and vegetables, but do not brown.
- Add water and bay leaf to the pot; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and add the beans with their juice.
- Cover and simmer on very low heat for 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, preferably the next day for better flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have Great Northern beans, you can substitute with cannellini or navy beans. To save time, pre-chop your vegetables and ham ahead of time. This soup also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep or those chilly days when you crave a comforting Rainy Day Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and bean soup with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a light salad or coleslaw. This soup is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal planning. It also pairs beautifully with the Ham-Spinach Quiche for a hearty brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Ham And Bean Soup contains roughly 1560 calories, with 45g protein, 311g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (343% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1736mg per serving (75% 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
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ham and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar depth of flavor. You can also add more vegetables or even some lentils for added protein.
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).