Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  1. Dice the ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  2. Rinse and drain the beans if using canned, or soak dried beans overnight if using dried varieties.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Ham

  1. Stir in the diced ham or ham hock, allowing it to cook with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes. This helps release the flavor of the ham into the base of the soup.

Step 4: Add Beans and Liquid

  1. Add the rinsed and drained beans to the pot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. If you’re using a ham hock, ensure it is fully submerged.
  3. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

  1. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Adjust the Texture

  1. For a thicker consistency, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the beans directly in the pot. This creates a creamy base while leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
  2. Add the diced potatoes at this stage if you want a heartier soup. Let them cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Add Greens (Optional)

  1. If you’re using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt quickly and add a fresh, nutritious touch.

Step 8: Season to Taste

  1. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. (Note: Ham is naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.)
  2. If you used a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
  2. Side Dish: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers for dipping.
  3. Make It a Meal: Pair the soup with a light salad for a complete, balanced meal.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover ham from holiday dinners. Ham bones can also be added for extra depth of flavor.
  2. Choose the Right Beans: Great northern beans or cannellini beans work best due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors, but you can substitute with navy beans or pinto beans.
  3. Add Smokiness: For a smoky flavor, use a smoked ham hock or add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
  4. Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more substance.
  2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
  3. Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any season. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste and make use of pantry staples and leftovers. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade goodness!