There's nothing quite like a satisfying bowl of soup, especially when it's packed full of nutritious ingredients. This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting concoction, brimming with tender ham, creamy cannellini beans and aromatic veggies like onions and carrots. Ideal for chilly days or when you're in need of some wholesome comfort food.
Photos of Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
The primary ingredients for this hearty soup are relatively common and can be easily found in most local supermarkets. The star of the dish is the white cannellini beans, which provide a creamy texture and are a great source of fiber and protein. If you can’t find them, other white beans like Navy beans or Great Northern beans could serve as replacements. The dried rosemary and fresh thyme used in this recipe enhance the flavor and aroma of the soup, but they can be substituted with other herbs if desired.
Ingredients for Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Unsalted butter: This is used for sautéing the vegetables and adds a rich flavor to the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the soup.
Carrots: Imparts a sweet and earthy flavor and adds a nice color contrast.
Celery: Gives the soup a pleasant crunch and fresh flavor.
Kosher salt and Black pepper: Used to enhance the flavor of other ingredients.
Garlic: Provides a strong pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Ham: Adds a savory and salty flavor to the soup.
White cannellini beans: Gives the soup its creamy texture and provides a good dose of protein and fiber.
Fresh thyme and Dried rosemary: These herbs add a unique aroma and flavor to the soup.
Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle bitterness and a tea-like aroma to the soup.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and flavor.
One reader, Archambault Oh says:
This hearty ham and bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it's so easy to make. The combination of ham, beans, and herbs creates a delicious, satisfying meal. It's perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
How to sauté vegetables: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the butter, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.
How to incorporate ham and beans: Add the ham, cannellini beans, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
How to simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How To Make Ham and Bean Soup
Turn your leftover ham into a tasty, comforting dish perfect for the cold months. This ham and bean soup recipe is packed with vegetables and aromatics.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspsunsalted butter
- 1yellow oniondiced
- 2carrotsdiced
- 2stalkscelerydiced
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspblack peppercoarse ground
- 3clovesgarlicminced
- 3cupshamdiced
- 45ozwhite Cannellini beansdrained and rinsed
- 1sprigfresh thyme
- ½tspdried rosemary
- 2bay leaves
- 4cupschicken broth
Instructions
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Add the butter to a large dutch oven over medium heat with your onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.
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Add in the garlic and stir well, cooking for 1 minute.
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Add in the ham, cannelini beans, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and chicken broth and stir well.
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On medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1026.79kcal
- Fat: 19.39g
- Saturated Fat: 7.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.74g
- Carbohydrates: 143.84g
- Fiber: 33.71g
- Sugar: 9.06g
- Protein: 73.13g
- Cholesterol: 81.88mg
- Sodium: 1467.54mg
- Calcium: 549.76mg
- Potassium: 4491.87mg
- Iron: 23.86mg
- Vitamin A: 208.72µg
- Vitamin C: 4.90mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Ham and Bean Soup
When preparing your ham and bean soup, it's important to remember that the flavors develop over time. If possible, make the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a richer, more flavorful soup. Before serving, reheat the soup on the stove, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. This technique can be applied to many other soup recipes as well.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Hearty Soup
Plan ahead: Prep ingredients and tools before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and boiling process.
Pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, use that time to clean up and prepare the serving bowls.
Leftover ham: Utilize leftover ham from a previous meal to cut down on prep time and add flavor.
Pressure cooker: Consider using a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the soup.
Frozen vegetables: Use frozen vegetables as a time-saving alternative to fresh ones.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while keeping it dairy-free.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, but they can still provide a good base for the soup.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness to carrots, making them a suitable substitute in the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can add a subtle anise flavor and a crunchy texture similar to celery in the soup.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in the same quantity to season the soup.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder, slightly earthy flavor compared to black pepper in the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor to the soup.
ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the soup as ham.
white cannellini beans - Substitute with navy beans: Navy beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor to cannellini beans, making them a suitable substitute.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in place of fresh thyme, but use it in smaller quantities as it is more concentrated in flavor.
dried rosemary - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can provide a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to the soup as dried rosemary.
bay leaves - Substitute with dried bay leaves: Dried bay leaves can be used in place of fresh bay leaves, but use them in smaller quantities as they are more concentrated in flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
Presenting a Delicious Ham and Bean Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty ham and bean soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the soup with a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of fresh flavor.
Pair with artisanal bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread such as a rustic baguette or sourdough loaf. This complements the heartiness of the soup and provides a delightful textural contrast.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds a luxurious sheen and a hint of fruity flavor, elevating the overall taste experience.
Present in elegant tableware: Choose sophisticated tableware such as fine porcelain bowls or artisan-crafted pottery to showcase the soup. The presentation should exude refinement and attention to detail.
Consider a side salad: For a complete dining experience, consider serving a small side salad alongside the soup. This adds a refreshing element to the meal and provides a balance of flavors.
Add a touch of heat: For a modern twist, consider incorporating a small drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick of heat. This unexpected element can surprise and delight the palate.
Emphasize the aroma: As you present the soup, allow the aromatic steam to waft gently towards the diners, creating an enticing sensory experience before they even take the first spoonful.
Use complementary serving utensils: Select elegant ladles or serving spoons that complement the overall aesthetic of the dish. Attention to detail in the utensils enhances the overall dining experience.
Consider the dining environment: When presenting the soup, ensure that the dining environment is conducive to savoring the flavors. Dim lighting and soft music can create a sophisticated ambiance for enjoying the meal.
Essential Tools for Making Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Large Dutch oven: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for cooking soups, stews, and braises. It provides even heat distribution and retains heat well.
Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients. It is an essential tool in any kitchen.
Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients. It helps protect countertops and provides a stable work area.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in a hot pot without scratching the surface. It is also gentle on nonstick cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients, ensuring the right balance of flavors and textures in the dish.
Can opener: Used to open cans of ingredients such as beans or broth, an essential tool for accessing canned goods.
Ladle: A deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Stovetop: The cooking surface where the Dutch oven is placed for sautéing, simmering, and boiling the soup.
Storing and Freezing Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
- Let the ham and bean soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup seems too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving, as flavors may have changed slightly during storage.
- Enjoy your delicious and comforting ham and bean soup!
How To Reheat Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover ham and bean soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it's heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it's heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without constantly monitoring it.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup occasionally to promote even heating and prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Random Fact About Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
The hearty ham and bean soup recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling meal. It's also a versatile dish that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences. This soup is a perfect comfort food for cold days and can be easily reheated for leftovers, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Additionally, the combination of ham and beans provides a rich and savory flavor profile that is both satisfying and delicious.
Is Making Ham and Bean Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This hearty ham and bean soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like ham, cannellini beans, and vegetables makes it a budget-friendly option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. With a hearty and satisfying flavor, this recipe earns a solid 9 out of 10 rating for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Hearty Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hearty ham and bean soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- High sodium content: With ham and chicken broth, this soup is likely to be high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Saturated fat: The use of butter and ham adds saturated fat to the dish, which should be limited in a healthy diet.
- Lack of diversity in vegetables: While the recipe includes onions, carrots, and celery, it could benefit from a wider variety of vegetables to increase its nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of ham and replace some of it with extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to increase the fiber and nutrient content while lowering the sodium and saturated fat.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or replace some of the broth with water to decrease the overall sodium content.
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil, to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish.
- Add more herbs and spices, like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
- Incorporate whole grains, such as barley or quinoa, to increase the fiber content and make the soup more filling and satisfying.
By making these adjustments, you can transform this hearty ham and bean soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still delivers on comfort and taste.
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
This hearty ham and bean soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of ham, cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and flavorful broth. The use of fresh thyme and dried rosemary adds depth to the soup, while the carrots and celery provide a delightful crunch. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a delicious and wholesome soup that is perfect for a cozy meal.
Enhance Your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious and comforting choice for anyone craving a hearty meal. The combination of ham and cannellini beans creates a rich and satisfying base, while the addition of fresh thyme and dried rosemary infuses the soup with aromatic flavors. The use of chicken broth ensures a savory depth, and the inclusion of onion, carrots, and celery provides a wholesome and nutritious balance. With carefully selected ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this recipe promises a flavorful and nourishing soup experience.
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