If you have a craving for something comforting, filling, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender great northern beans slowly simmered with savory ham, fragrant herbs, and fresh vegetables, all melding together into a warm bowl of pure satisfaction. This soup is not only a soul-soothing classic but also a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a loving hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this soup is a breeze because it relies on straightforward ingredients that each bring their unique magic to the bowl, whether it’s richness, texture, or bright pops of flavor.
- 1 pound dried great northern beans: These beans soak up all the savory flavors and become beautifully tender without falling apart.
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham: The star for that smoky, rich base that makes this soup unforgettable.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a light but flavorful foundation that lets the other ingredients shine.
- 1 cup water as needed: To adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking while simmering.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing veggies to unlock their sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds depth and caramelized notes when cooked gently.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a bit of color to the mix.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Brightens the soup with a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a lovely punch of fragrant flavor without overpowering.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses an earthy hint that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbal warmth that complements the ham beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance to the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste: Enhances all the flavors as they develop during cooking.
How to Make Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Begin by rinsing and sorting your dried great northern beans to remove any debris. Then, soak them overnight in plenty of water so they soften perfectly and cook evenly the next day.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Warm your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until everything starts to soften and the onions become translucent—this step is essential to build the base of your hearty soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and cook just long enough for it to release its wonderful aroma, about 30 seconds. Then toss in the bay leaf and dried thyme to start layering those comforting herbal flavors.
Step 4: Combine Beans, Ham, and Broth
Drain and rinse your soaked beans, then add them to the pot along with your ham bone or diced ham. Pour in the chicken broth and black pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and cover partially, letting the soup simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to keep the perfect soup consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat from it, and return the morsels to your pot for that extra punch of flavor. Stir in salt to taste, discard the bay leaf, and your soup is ready to serve.
How to Serve Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top. A little swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a delightful creaminess that complements the smoky ham perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company! Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or a warm cornbread muffin to soak up every flavorful drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast that balances the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting table, serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls and offer toppings on the side so everyone can customize. You might also ladle it into mini crock bowls for a cozy single-serving experience that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this soup later? Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little headroom since the beans expand a bit when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using canned beans will speed things up significantly. Just add them towards the end of cooking to warm through, as they are already tender.
Is the ham bone necessary for flavor?
While the ham bone adds wonderful depth, you can substitute with diced cooked ham if you prefer. Just be sure to use enough to keep that signature smoky taste.
What can I do if I don’t have great northern beans?
Navy beans or cannellini beans are fantastic substitutes. They have similar texture and taste that work wonderfully in this hearty soup.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup can be as thick or brothy as you like. For a thicker feel, mash some beans against the pot sides before serving to naturally thicken the broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about settling in with a warm bowl of this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe. Its satisfying textures and rich layers of flavor make it a timeless favorite year-round. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—this soup truly turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal!
Print
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus soaking time (overnight)
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes plus soaking time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Hearty Ham and Bean Soup made with great northern beans, a meaty ham bone or diced ham, and a flavorful mix of vegetables and herbs simmered to perfection in low-sodium chicken broth.
Ingredients
Beans and Meat
- 1 pound dried great northern beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
Liquids
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water, as needed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Rinse and sort the dried great northern beans, then soak them overnight in a large bowl covered with water to soften them and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse them before cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add Main Ingredients: Add the soaked beans, ham bone or diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Add additional water as needed to reach your desired soup consistency.
- Finish and Season: If you used a ham bone, remove it from the pot, shred any meat from it, and return the meat to the soup. Stir in salt to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- You can substitute navy beans or cannellini beans if you prefer a different white bean variety.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
