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My bean and ham soup brings total comfort to your bowl. It's the kind of dish that fills your home with the most delightful smells as it cooks. I'm always amazed how a few simple ingredients like beans, ham and vegetables turn into such a filling meal.
The Ideal Solution for Leftover Ham
I can't wait to whip up this soup after holiday meals when we have extra ham. While I enjoy sandwiches, there's something truly magical about turning those leftovers into a thick, satisfying soup that really warms you up from head to toe.
All Your Necessary Ingredients
- Great Northern Beans: I let them soak all night for that super soft, creamy texture.
- Ham Bone: This gives the stock its incredible flavor.
- Diced Ham: Toss in holiday leftovers or buy some from your grocery store.
- Yellow Onion: Gives a wonderful hint of sweetness to the foundation.
- Carrots and Celery: They add nice brightness and taste.
- Fresh Garlic: I can't get enough of what it adds.
- Chicken Broth: This ties everything together beautifully.
- Bay Leaves and Thyme: The herbs I always reach for with this soup.
- Salt, Pepper, and Parsley: Add to your liking and sprinkle on top.
Cooking Your Soup
- Begin With Beans
- Wash your beans thoroughly and let them soak overnight. For a quicker option, you can boil them briefly and then let them sit for about an hour.
- Prep Your Vegetables
- Heat up your pot with a bit of olive oil and throw in your onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook until they're soft and release their aromas.
- Combine Everything
- Now add your beans, ham bone, diced ham, broth and herbs. It all goes into the pot at this point.
- Give It Time
- Here's where things get good. Let everything bubble slowly for around 2 hours until your beans are perfectly soft.
- Ready to Enjoy
- Remove the ham bone, strip off any remaining meat, then adjust your seasonings. Add some parsley on top for a nice touch.
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Customizing Your Dish
What I really like about this soup is how adaptable it is. I'll make a huge pot when relatives come over or just a small amount for quiet dinners at home. You can use any type of white beans, and don't worry if you're missing the bone, just toss in more diced ham.
The Key to Incredible Taste
That ham bone works wonders for the flavor. Let everything cook gently for a long time to get that deep, tasty broth. If your soup gets a bit thick after sitting, just add a little more broth when you heat it up again.
Perfect Pairings for This Soup
This soup tastes amazing with fresh cornbread or a crusty dinner roll. I usually add a basic green salad on the side too. It's such a great combo, especially when it's cold outside.
Storing For Another Day
This soup stores really well. Just put it in a sealed container and it'll stay fresh in your fridge for about 3 days. Want to freeze it? Break it into smaller portions first and it'll last a couple months.
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Proper Reheating Tips
Don't use the microwave for warming this soup up. Heating it slowly on the stove keeps all the flavors intact and tasting fresh. You might need to add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Try Some Variations
Don't be afraid to switch up the beans or try different herbs. I sometimes add rosemary or even chunks of potato. That's the fun of cooking, you can make changes to suit your taste.
Boosting The Flavor
Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or some hot sauce if you want a kick. Sometimes I top it with crumbled bacon or a spoonful of sour cream and it tastes out of this world.
What Makes This So Good
Everything comes together during that slow cooking time when flavors blend perfectly. The ham bone creates such a flavorful base while the beans soak up all those amazing tastes.
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Selecting Your Beans
I really love Great Northern beans in this soup because they get so soft. But you can't go wrong with navy or cannellini beans either, they each bring something special to your bowl.
Ideal For Post-Holiday Meals
Making this soup has become my go-to after big celebrations. It's such a warm and cozy way to use up ham leftovers and my family always asks for it.
Meals Ready To Go
I never miss a chance to make extra for freezing. Just divide it into containers, write the date, and you've got homemade food ready whenever you're in a rush.
Healthy Comfort Food
This isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. The beans pack protein and fiber while all the vegetables add plenty of vitamins and minerals.
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Soul-Warming Goodness
There's just something about having this soup bubbling away on the stove that makes the whole house feel cozy. It's the sort of meal that gets everyone talking around the table.
Tasty Through All Seasons
Though I cook this most often during cold months, it works well any time of year. I just change up the veggies depending on what's fresh at the market.
Family-Friendly Meal
My picky kids actually enjoy this soup too. I let them dress it up with their own toppings like shredded cheese or crunchy crackers which makes dinnertime more exciting.
A Family Tradition
This soup means more than just food, it's become part of our family traditions. My mom taught me how to make it and now my own children help me cook it too.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Why soak beans a day ahead?
- It speeds up cooking and ensures beans cook evenly. It also makes them gentler on the stomach. A quicker soak works if you’re in a rush.
- → No ham bone—what now?
- Try smoked ham hocks or add more chopped ham. A bone boosts flavor but isn’t a dealbreaker.
- → How long do leftovers last?
- Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup thickens as it rests, so add broth when reheating.
- → Can you freeze it?
- Absolutely! Let it cool first, then freeze in sealed containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- → Why check the beans first?
- Sometimes stray pebbles or dirt sneak into dried beans. Sorting makes sure nothing unwanted gets cooked.