Delicious Easy Ham & Bean Soup: Quick, Comforting Recipe!

Ah, the comforting aroma of ham and bean soup simmering away on a chilly day—a smell that instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still picture those sun-drenched afternoons, gathering around the table with family, laughter mingling with stories and the rich, savory scent of her famous soup wafting through the air. It was one of those recipes that felt like a warm hug in a bowl, filling us with love and warmth. Today, I want to share my version of this delightful dish, the Easy Ham and Bean Soup, which not only warms the heart but also fills the belly with cozy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham while crafting a bowlful of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under an hour!
• Budget-friendly; ideal for using up leftover ham.
• A hearty, comforting blend of flavors.
• Nutritious, packed with protein and fiber.
• Great for meal prep; makes excellent leftovers!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your magical ham and bean soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic lights up this dish!)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound cooked ham, cubed (leftover holiday ham works perfectly!)
• 1 can (15 ounces) white beans (like cannellini or navy), rinsed and drained
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this adds a lovely depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking with these easy steps:

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure it gets nice and shimmering, but not smoking.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. The onion will become translucent, and your kitchen will start smelling magical.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Introduce the ham: Toss in the cubed ham and let it mingle with the veggies for about 2 minutes. This helps deepen the flavors.
5. Mix in beans and broth: Add the rinsed beans, chicken broth, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
7. Season to taste: After simmering, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the seasoning will enhance all those cozy flavors.
8. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Enjoy it warm and inviting!

Pro Tip: To make sure your soup has a perfect thickness, if you like it a bit heartier, use an immersion blender for just a few seconds in the pot to slightly puree some of the beans. It adds a wonderful creamy texture without losing all the lovely chunks!

Pro Tips & Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are some fun twists and variations for your ham and bean soup:

• Spice it up: Add a kick with some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herbs galore: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
• Veggie power: Toss in other veggies you have on hand—kale, spinach, or zucchini would be delightful.
• Beans, beans, but more: Experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and this Easy Ham and Bean Soup is simply no exception! I love to serve it with some crusty bread, perfect for dipping and mopping up every last drop. A fresh green salad on the side adds a pop of color and balance to the meal, while a simple coffee or hot tea can complete the cozy experience. Picture yourself wrapped in a blanket, the soup steaming at the table, and your favorite dessert to round off such warmth—pure bliss!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup only gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to properly store it:

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. It’s good for up to 3 months. Just leave some space at the top for expansion!
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, and then warm it up on the stovetop or microwave. Be sure to stir and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving again!

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just sauté the veggies in a pan first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—no need to rush perfection!

What type of beans is best for this soup?

While white beans like cannellini and navy are traditional, feel free to use any beans you adore or have on hand. Black beans or even kidney beans can bring their own character to the dish!

Can I use a bone from ham for extra flavor?

For sure! A ham bone can add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. Just throw it in when adding the broth and let it simmer for that extra richness.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check your broth label to confirm it’s certified gluten-free if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

You bet! Simply swap out the ham for smoked paprika or liquid smoke and the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add in more veggies and beans for that hearty experience—you won’t miss the meat!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Ham and Bean Soup as much as I do! It’s truly a recipe that brings comfort in every bite. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please drop a comment below and share your experiences or any personal twists you added to the soup. Happy cooking, friends! Warm hugs from my kitchen to yours!

Delicious Easy Ham & Bean Soup: Quick, Comforting Recipe!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this quick ham & bean soup recipe, perfect for comforting meals. Easy prep and delicious flavors make it a must-try dish! (154 chars)

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 pound of cooked ham, cubed

1 can (15 ounces) white beans, rinsed and drained

4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Toss in the cubed ham and let it mingle with the veggies for about 2 minutes.

Add the rinsed beans, chicken broth, thyme, and smoked paprika, stirring to combine.

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

A comforting and hearty Easy Ham and Bean Soup, perfect for using up leftover ham while providing cozy goodness in a bowl.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: ham and bean soup, easy soup recipe, leftover ham, comforting soup