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Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender white beans, smoky ham, and a rich, savory broth—a perfect dish for cozy meals and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course dinner, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for cooking soup

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried white beans or 3 cans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked ham diced (or ham bone for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water, then drain and rinse before cooking.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Add beans, diced ham or ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  • Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours if using dried beans, or 30 minutes if using canned beans, until beans are tender.
  • Remove the bay leaf and season with salt to taste.
  • To thicken the soup, mash a small portion of the beans directly in the pot.
  • Serve the soup hot with bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Use a ham bone to enhance depth of flavor.
  • Add potatoes for extra heartiness.
  • Soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld.