Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction with every spoonful. This recipe combines a flavorful mix of beans, tender ham, and a medley of spices, creating a rich, savory experience that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking to make use of leftovers or simply craving a hearty meal, this ham and bean soup will become a staple in your household.
Ingredients for the Perfect Ham and Bean Soup
To create the best ham and bean soup, it’s important to start with high-quality ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
- 8 cups low sodium chicken broth – You can substitute this with water, beef broth, or vegetable broth for an even deeper flavor.
- 1 leftover ham bone with meat or ham hocks or diced ham – Using a ham bone adds extra richness, but diced ham or ham hocks work just as well.
- 1 lb. cooked sausage – This adds an additional layer of flavor, combining the smoky ham with the savory taste of sausage.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the savory profile of the soup.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional) – For those who like a little kick, chili powder adds a subtle spicy warmth to the dish.
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes – Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ham.
- 1 lemon, juiced – The lemon juice cuts through the richness, brightening the flavors.
- 1 onion, diced – Onions form the aromatic base, infusing the soup with a mild sweetness.
- 1 package of Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup mix – This mix of beans offers a variety of textures and flavors, from creamy to firm.
- Optional: Hot sauce or crushed red pepper to taste – If you like your soup spicier, these add-ons will pack a punch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ham and Bean Soup
1. Preparing the Beans
Begin by rinsing and draining your beans. Carefully sort through them to remove any unwanted debris, such as small stones or broken beans. Once the beans are thoroughly cleaned, set them aside. This step is crucial for ensuring that your soup has the best possible texture.
2. Combining the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the beans into your slow cooker along with the diced ham (or ham bone), diced onion, minced garlic, and broth. If you choose to use ham hocks or sausage instead, add them at this point. Sprinkle in the optional chili powder if you prefer a slightly spicy kick. Stir the mixture to combine all of the ingredients evenly.
3. Slow Cooking the Soup to Perfection
Turn your slow cooker to low heat and let the soup cook for 7-8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high heat for 4.5 to 5 hours. The goal is to let the beans become tender and soak up all of the rich, savory flavors from the ham and broth.
As the beans cook, they will soften, breaking down and thickening the broth naturally, making it both filling and hearty. If you’re using a ham bone, the long cooking time allows the bone to release deep, meaty flavors into the broth, which enhances the overall richness of the soup.
4. Finishing Touches: Adding Tomatoes and Lemon Juice
Once the beans are tender and cooked to perfection, carefully remove the ham bone (if used). Strip any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot. The tender meat adds extra texture and flavor to the soup.
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes and the Ham Flavor packet (from the Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup mix) along with the lemon juice. The lemon juice will brighten the flavor of the soup, balancing out the richness from the ham and beans. Let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Adjusting the Spice Level (Optional)
If you enjoy a bit of heat, this is the perfect time to add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to incorporate the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and bean soup is best served hot and fresh out of the slow cooker. Its rich, savory flavors pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of freshly baked crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread with butter adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory soup.
- Side Salad: For a lighter accompaniment, consider a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa to soak up the broth.
Why Ham and Bean Soup is a Perfect Meal
Ham and bean soup is more than just a delicious meal—it’s nutritious and versatile. Here’s why this dish deserves a place in your weekly meal rotation:
1. High in Protein and Fiber
Beans are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup both filling and nutritious. The combination of beans, ham, and sausage offers a powerful protein punch, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you feeling full for longer periods of time.
2. Budget-Friendly
This soup is an excellent way to use up leftover ham or make the most out of inexpensive ingredients like beans. The large batch that this recipe produces is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd on a budget.
3. Comforting and Hearty
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. Ham and bean soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, making it a go-to comfort food when you need something filling and satisfying.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
One of the great things about ham and bean soup is that it stores exceptionally well, making it an ideal option for leftovers.
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water, as the beans will continue to absorb liquid.
2. Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to freeze your soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion: A Soup You’ll Keep Coming Back to
This ham and bean soup recipe is a timeless classic that brings together rich flavors, hearty textures, and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular feature in your kitchen.