Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting Ham and Bean Soup made with tender navy beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and chunks of savory ham. Slow-simmered to develop rich flavors, this classic soup is perfect for cold days and makes a satisfying meal any time.
- Prep Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 14 hours 60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Stock
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 64 ounces chicken stock
Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste (optional depending on ham saltiness)
Protein
- 2–3 cups chopped ham
Instructions
- Soak Beans: Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly, then cover them with several inches of water. Allow the beans to soak overnight. After soaking, rinse the beans again.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and sliced celery, sautéing for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally until they start to soften. Next, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Liquids: Stir in the soaked beans, chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape. Simmer for 90 minutes, checking the beans’ consistency. If they remain firm, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Remove the lid and add the chopped ham and shredded cabbage to the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cabbage softens and the flavors meld. Adjust salt to taste as needed depending on the ham’s saltiness. Finally, discard the bay leaf and serve the soup hot.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.
- The amount of salt should be adjusted carefully as the ham may already contribute sufficient saltiness to the soup.
- This soup thickens as it cools; add extra stock or water if reheating to desired consistency.
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked ham or adding a small amount of smoked paprika.
Keywords: Ham and Bean Soup, Navy Bean Soup, Hearty Soup, Classic Soup, Winter Soup, Comfort Food
Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/ham-and-bean-soup-recipe/
