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Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender navy beans, smoky ham, and a savory vegetable base, it offers a rich and balanced flavor with a touch of earthy herbs and subtle smokiness. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup makes for an ideal family meal or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham or 1 ham bone plus 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • A squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: If using dried beans, soak them overnight or do a quick soak by covering with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, turning off heat, and letting sit for 1 hour before draining. If using canned beans, skip this step.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until onion becomes translucent and carrots soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their flavors.
  4. Add Beans and Broth: Add the soaked (or canned) beans, six cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and ham bone or diced ham to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup gently. For dried beans, cook 40-50 minutes until beans are tender and flavors meld; for canned beans, simmer 20-30 minutes. If using a ham bone, shred any meat from the bone during cooking and return it to the soup.
  6. Season and Add Greens: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Finish and Serve: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the soup. Serve hot, ladled into bowls with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

  • Soaking dried beans overnight softens them and reduces cooking time.
  • Using a ham bone adds extra depth and smokiness to the broth.
  • Kale or spinach is optional but provides added nutrition and color.
  • The lemon or apple cider vinegar helps balance the richness and enhances flavor.
  • Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the ham and broth used.
  • This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Keywords: ham and bean soup, easy soup recipe, navy beans, ham bone soup, hearty soup, stovetop soup, healthy soup

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/easy-ham-and-bean-soup-recipe/