Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with Leftover Ham
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Ham and White Bean Soup
Looking for a hearty and comforting soup to warm you up on a chilly evening? Our Ham and White Bean Soup is the perfect solution! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and utilizes simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and transform it into a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
This isn’t your average bean soup. The secret? We partially mash some of the beans! This creates a lovely, creamy texture without needing to add any cream. It’s a surprisingly simple trick that elevates the soup to a whole new level of comfort.
What makes this Ham and White Bean Soup special?
- Easy & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of ham, thyme, and simple seasonings creates a delicious and comforting flavor profile.
- Creamy Texture (without the cream!): Partially mashing the beans creates a naturally creamy texture.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and leftover ham.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Is this soup freezable?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use different beans?
While Great Northern beans are our preference for their mild flavor and creamy texture, you could substitute cannellini beans or navy beans. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What kind of ham works best?
Any cooked ham will work! Leftover holiday ham is perfect, but you can also use diced ham from the deli. Smoked ham will add a lovely smoky flavor to the soup.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Ham and White Bean Soup as much as we do! It’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ham and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 ½ cups cubed cooked ham
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper can sub 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans Great Northern beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Empty one can of drained and rinsed Great Northern beans into a large bowl or flat baking dish. Mash the beans with the back of a fork or a potato masher. Set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan or stockpot over medium high heat while you chop the garlic, carrots, and onion.
- Melt the butter into the pan and immediately add the chopped onion, and carrot. Once the onion has started to soften, add the garlic.
- Let these sauté in butter until the onions are translucent and the carrots have started to soften. Make sure to move on to the next step before the garlic starts to brown.
- When the veggies are ready, stir in water, ham, thyme, salt and pepper, and the whole and mashed Great Northern beans. Stir gently to combine – you want the non-mashed beans to retain their shape in the final soup.
- Once the soup is simmering, ladle into dishes and call the crowd to the table!
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