Dive into the comforting embrace of this Bean Soup with Ham recipe, a versatile dish that marries the rich flavors of navy beans and savory ham chunks in a thick, aromatic broth.
Perfectly adaptable for any cooking method, whether it be a leisurely simmer on the stove top, a hands-off day with the slow cooker, or a quick and satisfying meal from the Instant Pot, this recipe promises a hearty and flavorful bowl of soup.
Ideal for chilly evenings or as a fulfilling meal any day of the week, this bean soup is not only delicious but also a testament to the ease and flexibility of home cooking.
How to Prepare Bean Soup With Ham
- Bean Prep: Start by rinsing the navy beans under cold water to clean them thoroughly.
- Sauté Base: In a large soup pot, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, cooking them until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Ham and Veggies: To the sautéed onions, add the diced carrots, ham, and minced garlic, cooking everything together for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the ham bone, navy beans, onion powder, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to allow it to simmer. Keep the lid partially open and let it cook for over 3 hours, until the soup thickens to your liking and the beans soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches: Once cooked to your preferred consistency, remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme stems. If the soup is too thick for your taste, adjust its consistency by adding a bit more water or broth.
Bean Soup with Ham
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cups ham diced
- 2 cups carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 ham bone
- 1 lb. dried Navy beans rinsed
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Cleaning Beans: Thoroughly rinse the dried navy beans under cool running water.
- Cooking Onions: Heat the combination of olive oil and butter in a large pot over a medium flame. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and clear, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Ham and Carrots: Introduce the diced ham, carrots, and garlic to the pot, stirring them together for a brief minute to enhance their flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Add the chicken stock, water, the ham bone, the rinsed beans, onion powder, a bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower it to maintain a gentle simmer. Leave to cook with the lid slightly ajar for at least 3 hours, stirring now and then, until the soup reaches your desired thickness and the beans are soft.
- Finishing Touches: After achieving the perfect soup consistency, take out the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme. If the soup is thicker than preferred, thin it out with additional water or chicken broth as necessary.
How to Store Bean Soup with Ham
To ensure your Bean Soup with Ham remains as delicious as when first made, proper storage is key. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks. For longer storage, freeze the soup in suitable freezer containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.