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–+ servings
Ham and Bean Soup

Cozy Up with This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Enjoy a comforting, protein-packed ham and bean soup that transforms leftovers into a nourishing meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 piece Ham Bone Use a leftover bone from a holiday ham.
  • 1 cup Dried Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans Rinse well before use.
  • 8 cups Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Broth is optional.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped finely for even cooking.
  • 2 medium Carrots Chop into small pieces.
  • 2 stalks Celery Chop finely to mix well.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup Shredded Ham For additional meatiness; can be added at the end.

Equipment

  • large stockpot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Bean Soup
  1. If soaking, place dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight. Drain before adding to the pot.
  2. In a large stockpot, combine the ham bone, rinsed beans, water or broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Add bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
  3. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cover partially, simmering for 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Remove ham bone and bay leaves. Shred any remaining meat from the ham bone and return to the pot. Optional: add shredded ham and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. For a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked beans against the pot's side and stir to incorporate.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary, considering the saltiness of the ham bone.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Reheat on stovetop over low heat as needed.

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