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Cozy Ham and Bean Soup

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A warm, hearty soup made with leftover ham, beans, and simple pantry staples, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced leftover ham meat
  • Ham bone (optional, for flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups dried navy beans or great northern beans (soaked overnight or quick soaked)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional finishers: splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 1/2 cups dried beans under cold water. Soak overnight in enough water to cover by 2 inches. For a quick soak, bring beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
  3. Add diced leftover ham and the ham bone (if using). Stir in bay leaves and fresh thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the ham flavor mingle with the veggies.
  4. Pour in the soaked beans, 6 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups water. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover partially. Let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the broth thickens slightly. Add more water or broth if soup gets too thick.
  6. Remove the ham bone and thyme sprigs. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper carefully, remembering the ham adds saltiness. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness if desired.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite comfort dishes.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight yields the best texture; quick soak is an alternative but less tender. Add salt at the end to avoid over-salting due to ham’s salt content. Use a ham bone for extra smoky flavor and remove before serving. For creamier texture, puree one-third of the soup with an immersion blender and stir back in. Slow cooker adaptation: after sautéing, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and bean soup, leftover ham recipe, cozy soup, easy soup, comfort food, slow simmer soup, hearty soup

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cozy-ham-and-bean-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-leftover-ham-soup/