HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (2024)

By Nicole Harris 19 Comments

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How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make thisHam and Bean Soup Recipe to use your ham leftovers in an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold Winter day.

How Do You Make A Good Ham And Bean Soup

It’s all about adding textures and flavors. This Ham and Bean Soup has beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, cabbage and ham. The savory broth will warm you up on the coldest days. Fresh ingredients prepared from scratch make this soup the best!

This soup recipe is a great way to use up that leftover ham from your holiday feast. Here are a couple recipes for those holiday hams to get you started: Pineapple Honey Glazed HamOrange Honey Baked Ham

Can you use canned beans in this soup?

Yes, you can. I’m not against using canned beans when that is what you have on hand. Just make sure you rinse the canned beans thoroughly before adding to the soup. You also will not need to cook the beans so that decreases the cooking time. If using canned beans, cook the broth and veggies until carrots are fork tender then add the beans and ham.

However, I highly recommend using dried beans. It takes some planning because you need to soak the beans. But it is worth that extra effort.

What Bean Do You Use For Ham And Beans

Navy beans or great northern beans are the best for Ham and Bean Soup, in my opinion. While you can use canned beans, dried beans make the best soup.

What goes in Ham and Bean Soup?

  • Dried Navy Beans
  • White Onion
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Chicken Stock
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • Bay Leaf
  • Garlic Powder
  • Dried Italian Herbs
  • Green Cabbage
  • Ham

Leftover Ham Recipes:

Ham and Cheese Pastry Bake
Deviled Ham
Ham Fettuccine Bake
Ham and Potato Corn Chowder
Sweet Potato Ham and Cheese Skillet

HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (5)

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Additional Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make thisHam and Bean Soup Recipe to use your ham leftovers in an entirely new dinner. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for a cold Winter day.

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
  • 3 Tablespoons Oil
  • 1 White Onion, (chopped)
  • 4 Carrots, (chopped)
  • 2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
  • 5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
  • 64 ounces Chicken Stock
  • 14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
  • Fresh Cracked Pepper
  • 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
  • 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
  • Salt - to taste (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Rinse dried beans then cover with several inches of water. Soak beans over night then rinse again.
  2. Heat oil in large dutch oven pot over high heat. Saute onion, carrots and celery 4-5 minutes while stirring. Add garlic and saute 30-60 seconds.
  3. Add beans, chicken stock, tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cover, leaving lid slightly ajar. Cook for 90 minutes. Check consistency of beans. If the beans are still quite firm, cook for 30 minutes longer.
  4. Remove lid and add ham and cabbage. Cook for 15-20 more minutes. Salt to taste (This will vary depending on the saltiness of the ham. The soup may not even need salt.) Discard bay leaf and serve.

Notes

*Cook ham bone in broth and beans to add extra flavor*

Nutrition Information

Yield 8Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 413Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 64mgSodium 1650mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 10gSugar 8gProtein 29g

Nutritional information on WonkyWonderful is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (9)

This post contains affiliate links. Basically, I get a little kick back for sending you over to purchase. . . at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!Nutrition information on this recipe is approximate.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (10)Bryan Martinez says

    This looks really good! It’ll definitely go well with the cold season right now, I think I’ll just add some jalapenos to this soup for an extra kick, thank you!

    Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (11)Nicole Harris says

      Oh, I like that addition 🙂

      Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (13)Nicole Harris says

      Yes, I’m sure this will work in a crockpot. The cooking time will be increased though.

      Reply

  2. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (14)Kelly says

    What is the bright green on top? Only see dry herbs in recipe.

    Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (15)Nicole Harris says

      That is fresh parsley. I usually add it to make the photos pop. You can add it or not, your preference.

      Reply

      • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (16)Kelly says

        Thanks for the answer…I haven’t made your recipe yet, but my Easter ham bone is waiting in the fridge! This weekend I’m trying.

        Reply

  3. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (17)Kelly says

    Just made this. Used a ham bone in bean cooking step and half the broth in recipe (mostly because my Dutch oven was not big enough with the ham bone included) This was so delicious! Love the tomato and cabbage addition. Thanks for great recipe!

    Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (18)Nicole Harris says

      Awesome! Glad you enjoyed this soup…one of my favorites!

      Reply

  4. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (19)Gail says

    Do you think I could freeze this soup in small amounts for lunches?

    Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (20)Nicole Harris says

      I haven’t tried freezing. I personally don’t like the consistency of beans when they have been frozen then thawed. Other than that I would think it would be fine.

      Reply

  5. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (21)Murray P says

    I don’t eat tomatoes ,but, I like tomatoe sauce and paste, can I substitute the tomatoes for a small can of paste or half can of sauce?

    Reply

    • HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (22)Nicole Harris says

      Yes, just be careful of too much tomato paste as it can be on the salty side.

      Reply

  6. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (23)Sue says

    I made this and it was delicious!

    Reply

  7. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (24)Carrie says

    Great recipe! Healthy and delicious
    Everyone loves it! I have done this recipe as directed and also with a left over ham bone from Easter!
    Both great but… I thought using ham bone gave it a richer flavor!
    My 8 grand kids love this soup ages from 1 to 8.
    That says a lot on a recipe!
    Thank you for sharing!
    I’ve made it 3 times already and I’m sure it will be made many more!

    Reply

  8. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (25)Ada Chinery says

    Working on the soup as I type…… couldn’t see where it said to put in the ham bone. We have combined everything and will check the bone in a half hour. Smells really good!

    Reply

  9. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (26)Leslee Pettitt-Myers says

    This recipe looks delicious!I love the addition of the cabbage and tomatoes. I’m wondering if you have any experience with Cottage Ham. I was unable to find any ham hocks/shanks, but came across this pork product. It is pork butt that is brined. I think it would work beautifully, but would appreciate any advice or your experience. Thank you!

    Reply

  10. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (27)Summer Yule says

    Delicious and easy recipe to use up leftover bits of Christmas ham! This soup will be my lunches for the coming week 🙂 Thank you so much for the meal inspiration!

    Reply

  11. HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (28)Kevin Ireland says

    I make a LOT of soups – and this was one of the best ever. I had leftover honey-cured ham that I needed to use up, and combined it with two chopped Tofurkey-brand plant-based Italian sausages. I followed the recipe, using 2 well-rinsed cans of Great Northern Beans and 1 can Garbanzo Beans. In the last 30 minutes, I added one chopped zucchini and about 4oz (1/2 package) chopped portabella mushrooms. I served with a dollop of low-fat sour cream. SO good!

    Reply

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HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful (2024)

FAQs

HAM and BEAN SOUP RECIPE!!! + WonkyWonderful? ›

Step 2: Thicken the soup.

Sprinkle in flour then cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. The addition of flour to the Ham and Bean Soup will give it a nice velvety texture.

What makes ham and bean soup thicken? ›

Step 2: Thicken the soup.

Sprinkle in flour then cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. The addition of flour to the Ham and Bean Soup will give it a nice velvety texture.

What if my bean soup needs more flavor? ›

Try adding some acidity. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of white wine vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.

How do you make ham and bean soup less gassy? ›

To cut down on the gassy properties, you can add a little baking soda to your recipe. The baking soda helps break down some of the beans' natural gas-making sugars. I tested this while fixing one of my favorite slow cooker recipes: red beans and sausage.

How do you thicken ham and bean soup without cornstarch? ›

Prepare a roux.

A roux is equal parts flour and butter. Add flour to melted butter over medium-low heat, and cook the mixture until it's light brown. Whisk the hot liquid into the roux; use two ounces of roux for every cup of liquid. This method is excellent for creamy bean soups.

Why is my ham and bean soup watery? ›

Cook It Longer

Sometimes soup just needs to simmer longer to reach the perfect consistency. Check to see if the vegetables are tender, and then taste the broth. If the soup tastes a bit watery, give it more time.

Can you use instant mashed potatoes to thicken bean soup? ›

Honestly, if you just stir in a little instant mash, like Smash, your soup will thicken up in no time at all. Now, you may end up needing more than a spoonful, but it's best to add a little at a time, because remember, you can always add more of it, but you can't take it away.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

Why do you put vinegar in bean soup? ›

We use ingredients that help ease bean digestion. Onions, garlic and cumin help – but the star ingredient? Apple cider vinegar, which breaks down indigestible sugars to help digestion.

What does lemon juice do to soup? ›

In this case, however, the lemon provides more of a flavor undertone that enhances other seasonings like thyme, parsley, and turmeric. According to trained chef Leetal Arazi, who spoke with Real Simple, you can bring a "zesty flavor" to your soup simply by adding lemon.

What spice takes gas out of beans? ›

Use Beano just before eating so it can break down the gas-producing oligosaccharides. It has no effect, however, on gas caused by lactose or fiber. Try adding epazote (1 tablespoon to a large pot of chili, beans, or soup). Epazote is the leaf of a wild herb, prized for its gas-reducing abilities.

Does baking soda reduce gas in bean soup? ›

If beans make you uncomfortably gassy, sprinkle a little baking soda into their soaking water. It will reduce the volume of gas produced by the legumes, plus, they will cook quicker. If you're even shorter on time, you may want to try some of our favorite recipes to make with a can of black beans.

What takes the gas out of beans? ›

Soaking overnight and then discarding the soaking water leaches out sugars in beans that are responsible for gas production. But if you don't have time for a traditional overnight soak, a quick soak is just as beneficial. Rinse the beans and then place them in a pot with three cups of water for each cup of dried beans.

What happens when you add cornstarch to soup? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

Why isn't my soup thickening with cornstarch? ›

In other words, if you don't heat your cornstarch to a high enough temperature, your mixture will never thicken. But once your liquid has boiled, lower the heat and don't return it to a simmer—you'll risk destroying the starch molecules and ending up with a thin mixture yet again.

What does cornstarch do in soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

How do I make my bean soup thicker? ›

To thicken the broth in bean soup, you can try the following methods:
  1. Mashing a Portion of Beans: Gently mash a portion of the cooked beans against the side of the pot. ...
  2. Addition of Cornstarch or Flour: Create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch or flour with water. ...
  3. Use of Potato Flakes or Mash.
Apr 15, 2016

What is the best ingredient to thicken soup? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

What is the healthiest way to thicken soup? ›

One way to thicken a stew without flour is to add some cooked rice or quinoa. Another option is to puree some of the vegetables in the stew to thicken it. To thicken a stew without flour, some recipes call for using a thickener such as arrowroot starch or almond flour.

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