Dinner

Ham and Bean Soup

Recipe Image 12

This is the kind of soup that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven where everyone mysteriously appears just as you’re ladling it into bowls.

Picture this: tender white beans swimming in a rich, smoky broth that’s been infused with herbs and the deep, savory essence of ham bone magic.

The aroma alone will have your neighbors suddenly remembering they need to borrow something right around dinnertime.

What makes this recipe absolutely brilliant is its flexibility – stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot – because sometimes life demands soup but your schedule demands convenience.

Every spoonful delivers that perfect balance of creamy beans, smoky ham, and aromatic herbs that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with canned soup.

This is comfort food that actually loves you back, filling your home with warmth and your belly with pure satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
9 cups water
1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Ham Component

1 ham bone (see note for alternatives)
1-2 cups leftover chopped ham

For the Seasoning Blend

2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 /2 teaspoon sage
1 /2 teaspoon rosemary
1 /2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Beans

3 cans white beans, drained and rinsed OR 1 pound dried white beans

Instructions

Stovetop Method – Building the Foundation

1 Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to foam slightly. Using a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching.
2 Add the diced onion, ham bone, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The ham bone will begin releasing its smoky essence immediately.
3 Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These fond bits are pure flavor gold that will enhance your soup’s depth.

Building the Soup

4 Add the remaining water, brown sugar, bay leaves, thyme, sage, rosemary, and smoked paprika to the pot and stir well. If you’re not using a ham bone, add the 2 cups of chopped ham now. For dried beans, add them at this stage; canned beans wait until later.
5 Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6 After 60 minutes, carefully remove and discard the ham bone using tongs. Add your chopped ham if you haven’t already, and if using canned beans, add them now. Simmer uncovered for 20 more minutes until beans are tender and flavors have melded.

Slow Cooker Method – Set and Forget

7 Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This initial sautéing step is crucial for developing flavor depth that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
8 Cook the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft and aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
9 Transfer the sautéed mixture to the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients, including dried beans if using. Canned beans should wait until the final 30 minutes of cooking.
10 Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until beans are fork-tender. If using canned beans, add them during the last 30 minutes only.
11 Remove the ham bone carefully with tongs before serving, shredding any meat that falls off back into the soup.

Instant Pot Method – Quick and Efficient

12 Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil and butter in the insert until shimmering. The sauté function mimics stovetop browning for optimal flavor development.
13 Add the diced onion and ham bone, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
14 Press cancel to turn off sauté mode. Add all remaining ingredients and seal the lid. Cook on soup setting for 30 minutes for dried beans or 20 minutes for canned beans.
15 Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Remove the ham bone before serving, ensuring no small bone fragments remain.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large soup pot – ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching during the long simmer time
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for scraping up those flavorful browned bits without scratching your cookware
Fine-mesh strainer – invaluable for rinsing canned beans and removing any debris from dried beans
Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board – makes quick work of dicing onions and chopping leftover ham into uniform pieces

Helpful Upgrades

Immersion blender – allows you to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some beans whole for variety
Kitchen scale – especially useful if you’re measuring dried beans by weight for more consistent results
Instant-read thermometer – helps ensure your soup reaches the proper serving temperature of 165°F (74°C)

Nice-to-Have Options

Slow cooker liner bags – makes cleanup effortless when using the slow cooker method
Ladle with pour spout – reduces drips and makes serving cleaner and more elegant
Storage containers with tight-fitting lids – this soup keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Protein Variations

Turkey ham or smoked turkey → Use same quantities for a leaner option with similar smoky flavor
Bacon or pancetta → Replace ham with 6-8 strips bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
Vegetarian version → Omit meat entirely and add 2 tablespoons smoked paprika plus 1 tablespoon liquid smoke for depth

Bean Alternatives

Navy beans or Great Northern beans → Perfect traditional substitutes with similar cooking times
Cannellini beans → Slightly larger and creamier texture, same cooking method
Mixed bean blend → Combine 2 cans white beans + 1 can kidney beans for color and texture variety

Flavor Profile Changes

Italian-inspired → Replace sage and rosemary with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and add 1 can diced tomatoes
Southwestern twist → Add 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Herb garden version → Use fresh herbs instead of dried: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh sage

Texture Modifications

Chunky style → Add 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks with the onions
Creamy version → Blend 1/3 of the soup with an immersion blender before final simmer
Hearty meal → Stir in 2 cups chopped kale or spinach during last 5 minutes of cooking

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This hearty soup delivers approximately 285 calories per serving with a powerful nutritional profile. Each bowl provides roughly 18 grams of high-quality protein from the ham and beans, 42 grams of complex carbohydrates primarily from the fiber-rich white beans, and 8 grams of healthy fats from the olive oil. The soup contains an impressive 12 grams of dietary fiber per serving, supporting digestive health and promoting satiety.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

White beans are nutritional powerhouses, packed with folate, magnesium, and potassium that support heart health and blood pressure regulation. The plant-based protein in beans provides all essential amino acids when combined with other foods throughout the day. Ham contributes B-vitamins, particularly B12 and niacin, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. The aromatic herbs – thyme, sage, and rosemary – contain powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that may support immune function.

Dietary Considerations

This soup is naturally gluten-free and can easily accommodate various dietary needs. It’s rich in iron from both the beans and ham, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring iron intake. The high fiber content helps stabilize blood sugar levels, while the protein content promotes lasting satiety. Those watching sodium should rinse canned beans thoroughly and consider using low-sodium alternatives.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Ham bone → 2 cups diced ham + 2 teaspoons liquid smoke for similar depth without the bone
Butter → Additional 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free option
Brown sugar → Maple syrup (2 teaspoons) or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free version
Fresh garlic → 1 teaspoon garlic powder (add with other dried spices to prevent burning)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Leftover ham → Ham steak (on sale) diced or ham lunch meat, chopped
Individual dried herbs → 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend for similar flavor profile
Canned beans → Dried beans (soaked overnight) for significant cost savings

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Yellow onion → White onion, shallots, or even onion powder (2 tablespoons)
Bay leaves → 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for earthy flavor depth
Smoked paprika → Regular paprika + 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
White beans → Pinto beans, navy beans, or even lentils (adjust cooking time accordingly)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store dried herbs properly in airtight containers away from light to maintain potency
When using liquid smoke, start with less – it’s potent and you can always add more
Taste and adjust seasoning after substitutions, as different ingredients may require balance tweaks

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carbohydrate Modifications:

Reduce beans to 2 cans instead of 3 to lower total carbs from approximately 42g to 28g per serving
Add extra vegetables like 2 cups diced zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower to maintain volume while reducing carb density
Increase protein with additional 1/2 cup diced ham to improve satiety and blood sugar stability

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace brown sugar with 1 teaspoon stevia or 2 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener to eliminate added sugars completely
Use sugar-free alternatives that won’t affect the soup’s flavor profile significantly
Consider omitting sweetener entirely – the natural sweetness from onions and herbs may be sufficient

Portion & Timing Tips:

Serve smaller portions (1 cup instead of 1.5 cups) paired with mixed green salad with olive oil dressing
Estimated carbs per modified serving: approximately 22-25 grams total carbohydrates
Pair with healthy fats like sliced avocado or handful of nuts to further slow glucose absorption
Best consumed as part of a balanced meal rather than alone for optimal blood sugar management

Total Carb Reduction: Modified recipe reduces carbohydrates by approximately 35-40% while maintaining satisfying flavor and nutrition.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness beautifully, while beer lovers should reach for a Belgian wheat beer or light lager that won’t compete with the smoky flavors. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon cleanses the palate between spoonfuls, or try unsweetened iced tea with fresh herbs that echo the soup’s aromatic profile. Hot herbal tea with sage or thyme makes a lovely post-meal digestif.

Side Dish Recommendations

Crusty sourdough bread or cornbread provides the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad with apple cider vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s heartiness. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips complement the earthy bean flavors, while sautéed greens with garlic add nutritional balance and color to your bowl.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with simple bruschetta or cheese and crackers before serving the soup as your main course. For dessert, keep it light with fresh fruit or lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. When entertaining, serve family-style with multiple bread options and compound butter for an interactive, cozy dining experience.

Occasion Suggestions

This soup shines during cold weather gatherings, casual Sunday dinners, and meal prep sessions for busy weeks ahead. It’s perfect for potluck contributions since it travels well and feeds a crowd. The recipe scales beautifully for holiday entertaining or game day gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Always sauté your aromatics first regardless of cooking method – this foundational step builds layers of flavor that slow cooking or pressure cooking alone cannot achieve. Season in stages by tasting after the initial simmer and adjusting herbs before the final cooking phase. Save pasta water if serving with bread – a splash adds silky body to the soup. Skim foam during the initial boil for the clearest, most appealing broth.

Common Mistake Prevention

Never add canned beans too early – they’ll break down and become mushy, creating an unappetizing texture. Don’t skip the deglazing step with water; those browned bits are concentrated flavor. Avoid over-seasoning initially since the ham bone releases salt as it simmers. Remove bay leaves before serving to prevent an unpleasant surprise for diners.

Storage and Reheating

This soup improves overnight as flavors meld and develop. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed to restore consistency. Frozen soup should be thawed overnight before reheating for even warming.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare through step 4 and refrigerate overnight – the flavors will be even more developed when you finish cooking. Cook completely and freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners. Prep vegetables in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days before cooking.