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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Ham and Bean Soup

[heart_this] · Apr 13, 2013 · 71 Comments

Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and beans are perfect companions and they truly shine in this soup which is pure comfort food!

Whenever I make a ham dinner I always make sure to save the ham bone because it can be used in soups or stocks to which it adds a ton of flavour. (The ham bone keeps well in the freezer so even if I don’t plan on making a soup right away I freeze it for later.) One of my favourite soups to use a ham bone in is the ever so simple and yet wonderful ham and bean soup! Ham and bean soup lends itself beautifully for a ham bone because the longer you simmer the ham bone, the more flavour you get from it and you need to simmer the beans for an hour or two in this soup anyways. Really this soup is as simple as it gets, you have your basic vegetables, the onions, celery and carrots in addition to the ham and beans and the ham bone provides all of the flavour. You do need a bit of time to let it simmer but it is really worth it! Despite being so simple this has to be one of the best soups around and it is pure comfort food that is bound to satisfy!
If you have the cravings for ham and bean soup but do not have a ham bone on hand, don’t worry, you can get a soup that is almost as flavourful using ham hocks.

Ham and Bean Soup
Of course bacon makes everything better and you can’t go wrong with even more pork-y goodness!

Ham and Bean Soup
Grainy mustard and sour cream are a perfect garnish for ham and bean soup along with some bread to mop up every last drop!

Ham and Bean Soup
I like to have a green vegetable in my meal and the addition of green beans is a great way to get one into this soup!

Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes Soak Time: 8 hours Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time: 2 hours Servings: 4

Ham and beans are perfect companions and they truly shine in this soup which is pure comfort food!

ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
  • 6 cups ham broth or chicken broth or chicken stock
  • 1 pound dried white beans such as navy, great northern, cannellini, picked over and soaked over night in water
  • 1 ham bone (or 2 ham hocks)
  • salt, pepper and cayenne to taste
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced (omit if you are using ham hocks)
directions
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the onion, carrots and celery and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
  3. Add the broth, white beans and ham bone, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer, covered, until the beans are tender, about 1-2 hours.
  4. Remove the bone or ham hocks and if you are using the ham hocks, strip the meat from them and dice or shred it.
  5. Optionally puree some or all of the soup with a blender, add the ham and season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.
Slow Cooker: Optionally implement steps 1 & 2, place everything except the diced ham (if using) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 3-4 hours before implementing steps 4 & 5.
Option: Green beans are an amazing addition; add them near the end and let them cook until just tender.
Similar Recipes:
Maple, Bourbon Ham and Baked Bean Soup
Ham and Potato Corn Chowder
Split Pea Soup
Venezuelan Black Bean and Chorizo Soup
Lemony Lentil Soup
Jalapeno Popper Bacon and Bean Soup
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Bacon and Bean Soup
Dill Pickle Soup

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Crockpot, Food, Gluten-free, Ham, Pork, Recipe, Slow Cooker, Soup

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steph says

    February 22, 2009 at 3:49 am

    Ham and beans sound like a wonderful combination!

    Reply
  2. from my motorhome to yours says

    February 22, 2009 at 4:16 am

    oh my this looks great, I have to try it, pam

    Reply
  3. Julie says

    February 22, 2009 at 4:54 am

    Oh man, that looks so awesome. I love that you’re using canned beans, makes it extra quick and easy. The green beans in there look great too.

    Reply
  4. Not Another Omnivore says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:08 am

    I think with some modifications I could make this quite enjoyable for the veggie crowd! Your pics are great as always, and way to have a nutritional winner as well 🙂

    NAOmni

    Reply
  5. Cayleigh says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:29 am

    Mmmm … love ham and beans! I’ve never had it with the green variety of bean before. I like the idea of getting a green veggie in. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Paula says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:30 am

    Oops … sorry, I posted the above comment in my daughter’s Cayleigh’s account. I’m just not used to my kids having “accounts” on the computer! 😮

    Reply
  7. Red Freckles says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:46 am

    This was my favorite kind of soup as a kid. Only it was from Campbell’s. I always needed to drink 2 glasses of water after a bowl because of all the salt. Now I can make my own with less salt!

    Reply
  8. tamilyn says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:50 am

    My brother in law makes a dish like this. He said it is his specialty. My sister says it is one of three things he knows how to cook! I will forward the recipe to him.

    Reply
  9. ★adair★ says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:17 am

    Looks very beautiful and so yummy!!!

    Reply
  10. Jescel says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:29 am

    looks like a good, comforting meal! yum! And i love that it doesn’t take long to make it. I don’t use an immersion blender. I mash half of the beans and add them a bit later to make the soup thicker. Whenever I make this, I add parmesan rind to the soup for more flavor. I keep parm rinds in my freezer for soups like these.

    Reply
  11. PG says

    February 22, 2009 at 7:43 am

    this one sounds delicious. Though I don’t eat ham, hubby would love it.

    Reply
  12. pepsakoy says

    February 22, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Looks absolutely delicious..Nothing could stop me from giving it a try !!

    Reply
  13. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

    February 22, 2009 at 10:04 am

    This soup looks fantastic! Really comforting and practical!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  14. lisaiscooking says

    February 22, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    The green beans look great in your soup! Nice combination.

    Reply
  15. Dawn says

    February 22, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    yes, I bet that leftover ham does really well in this. I’m sure the ginger flavor was carried over, or I hope.

    Reply
  16. Maggie says

    February 22, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    I love that you kept the green beans so bright and not overcooked. This sounds like a great soup.

    Reply
  17. dishesdone says

    February 22, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Great looking soup! Delicious combination!, ham and beans! Looks perfect for the weather we’re getting today, cold and rainy!

    Reply
  18. catherine @ www.unconfidentialcook.com says

    February 22, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Perfect for a comfort dinner. I wish Mr. I-Hate-Vegetables didn’t hate beans….

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    February 22, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Brand new to the blog! Found it while researching sweet potato wedges, and found a great recipe I’m wanting to try. I’m a vegetarian, but there’s plenty I cn adapt here. It all sounds marvelous, and kudos on your photo skills, it makes it SO much better when you can see a fabulous example.

    Looking forward to trying some of these!

    Reply
  20. Kalyn says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Love the addition of the green beans, very creative!

    Reply
  21. aforkfulofspaghetti says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Mmmm, what a fab chunky soup for the colder weather. Yum.

    Reply
  22. cindy* says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    this soup looks so tasty and comforting! i love the addition of green beans. yum!

    Reply
  23. Jan says

    February 22, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    Ham and bean soup looks great!

    Reply
  24. Foodess says

    February 22, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Looks nourishing and delicious. And I’m impressed at how many ways you reincarnated that ham!

    Reply
  25. Pam says

    February 22, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    My very favorite soup! I’ve never tried it with green beans. I hate to mess with perfection.

    Reply
  26. Peter M says

    February 22, 2009 at 10:16 pm

    Now that’s a soup that eats like a meal!

    Reply
  27. Sara says

    February 22, 2009 at 11:22 pm

    This looks like the perfect way to use up leftover ham!

    Reply
  28. Anonymous says

    February 22, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    I am lucky that my nephews girlfriend works at a Heavenly Ham and she saves me her ham hocks!

    looks good as always Kevin!

    Reply
  29. Nina Timm says

    February 23, 2009 at 3:28 am

    I like the fact that you used canned beans….easier for me!!!

    Reply
  30. MaryBeth says

    February 23, 2009 at 4:41 am

    This is a very heart warming soup, or as my daughter would say its good for the heart and good for the soul.

    Reply
  31. Beachlover says

    February 23, 2009 at 4:56 am

    your soup really look attractive! must taste rich and yummy!

    Reply
  32. Pam says

    February 23, 2009 at 6:44 am

    I love ham and bean soup – this looks hearty and delicious.

    Reply
  33. OhioMom says

    February 23, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    The food critic loves ham and beans … with hot water cornbread.

    Comfort food in this house 🙂

    Reply
  34. Koruklu says

    February 23, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Waiting for fresh green beans!!! Yummy!!!

    Reply
  35. Grace says

    February 23, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    i used to have a big ol’ bread bowl full of something similar to this every wednesday when i was in grad school. good memories. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Christelle says

    February 23, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Hummm, this dish looks very appetizing!!!!

    Reply
  37. Culinary Cory says

    February 23, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Your soup looks really hearty. Love all the veggies in it.

    Reply
  38. elly says

    February 23, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    This looks really delicious and hearty. I’ve been trying to use up some things in my freezer over the last week or so too!

    Reply
  39. pigpigscorner says

    February 23, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Looks so delicious! A very heartwarming and comforting soup.

    Reply
  40. Debbie says

    February 23, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Hams and beans are such a good, hearty combo!!! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  41. Maria says

    February 23, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    The green beans really stand out in this one! Beautiful soup!

    Reply
  42. Sandie says

    February 23, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    Ham and bean soup is one of the greatest comfort foods of all time. Your combination looks stunning!

    Reply
  43. Anonymous says

    February 23, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    The fact that you had the gingersnap ham in this is what makes it so great. A little bit of that sweet flavor seeps in.

    Reply
  44. Astra Libris says

    February 23, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    Mmmm, what a gorgeous, comforting soup!! I happen to have some leftover ham in the freezer, too… Thank you for the great solution! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Amy says

    February 23, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    That’s one good looking bowl of soup. I like the color the green beans give the soup.

    Reply
  46. Michelle says

    February 23, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    this looks so delicious! I love ham and beans too?!?!?! that would be so good in my belly!

    Reply
  47. Jan says

    February 24, 2009 at 12:31 am

    Yum! Great looking soup, Kevin.

    Reply
  48. Dragon says

    February 24, 2009 at 12:50 am

    I just can’t get enough of soup these days. Yours looks so hearty and warm.

    Reply
  49. Mrs Ergül says

    February 24, 2009 at 1:54 am

    That’s a lot of beans! Healthy!

    Reply
  50. Kevin says

    February 24, 2009 at 3:46 am

    Jescel: Good call! I like to use the parmesan rinds in soups and pasta sauces. I did not think to use them in this soup though. Next time.

    Reply
  51. Anonymous says

    February 24, 2009 at 4:01 am

    this soup is so soothing. Your version looks like a great one.

    Reply
  52. Mama Chicken says

    February 24, 2009 at 11:52 pm

    This looks like something I’m going to throw into our “soup-circuit”. Thanks!

    Reply
  53. meeso says

    February 25, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    This is some good looking ham and bean soup! I grew up on soup like this… this is serious comfort food!

    Reply
  54. Rachel says

    October 21, 2009 at 8:13 am

    This looks so yummy… brings back memories of my mom's ham and bean soup… i love the green beans in it.. ham and beans is an excellent combination. Its also good with some chunks of potato if you want to make it more hearty… and some grated romano cheese.

    Reply
  55. Yivinns says

    March 6, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Just made this soup. It was so delicious! I think next time I'll make it without the oregano, though. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  56. Joanna says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    I made this last night! It's a keeper. Leftover ham from the freezer. We skipped the ham bone and didn't cook it as long as called for – too much in a hurry, but it was still perfect. Both kids raved about it. I loved the green bean addition. Thanks!

    Reply
  57. Jan says

    October 6, 2012 at 1:26 am

    do you use 2 cans of white beans? it is listed on the recipe use 1 can, then it says add 1 can again. Is this a typo? looks delicious!

    Reply
  58. Kevin says

    October 6, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Jan: Yes that is 2 cans of beans. I was adding them in two different locations, but I have streamlined the recipe to add them at the same time.

    Reply
  59. Anonymous says

    January 5, 2014 at 1:49 am

    I've been making this kind of soup for years. I also add one large potato diced small , and serve it with fresh diced onion added on top and fresh home made cornbread muffins, I crumble them up in my soup to absorb the liquid. I always make a very large pot full then can the rest in quart jars for later use. Good job.

    Reply
  60. kevin says

    January 8, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Anonymous: Great way to serve the ham and bean soup!

    Reply
  61. Debbie says

    March 2, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  62. Anonymous says

    December 26, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    It says 8 hours soaking time… I am ASSUMING that you have to soak the beans for 8 hours? NO WHERE in the recipe it says what the 8 hrs soaking is for :/

    Reply
  63. Claudia Weller says

    February 7, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Looks yummy, just the right thing with cold weather and snow outside.

    Reply
  64. Unknown says

    April 22, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    i have made this lots of times and it is delicious. I only have canned beans this time will it still work? do I need to adjust the liquid some?

    Reply
  65. kevin says

    April 28, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Unknown: Canned beans will work as well and you could cut the broth down to 4 cups.

    Reply
  66. Claudia Weller says

    March 7, 2017 at 10:07 am

    Love this – will make this this night, comfort food for this ugly rainy and cold weather here in Germany

    Reply
  67. Don Andrews says

    February 24, 2018 at 9:42 am

    I shall be making this using a Jamon serrano bone and a leaving the soup in a slow cooker on "low" setting all day.

    Reply
  68. Don Andrews says

    February 24, 2018 at 9:45 am

    I shall be making this soup with a bone from a jamon serrano, and leaving it to cook in a slow cooker on low setting all day. Delicious to come home to! And I shall add shredded spinach for the last 1/2 hour in place of the beans.

    Reply
  69. Liette Saint-Amand says

    February 14, 2022 at 7:39 pm

    I have pork hocks. Is it the same as ham hocks???? Silly question right? Ham comes from pork so just want to make sure? Really want to do the recipe so tks Kevin.

    Reply
    • kevin says

      February 21, 2022 at 1:32 pm

      Ham hocks are generally smoked/cured and add a ton of flavour to the soup. Pork hocks are generally not smoked/cured, they are raw pork, so they will not be adding the flavours that ham does. You can make this soup with pork hocks, you will just need to simmer for long enough that the pork is falling apart tender and you can shred it and return it to the soup. The pork and bean soup will not be as flavourful as the ham and bean soup, but it will be good.

      Reply
  70. Gayle says

    December 22, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    I have made this soup several times since I discovered your recipe. It is always a hit with family and friends! My husband and I love it. We use spring onions as a garnish and it adds a nice freshness to the coziness of the soup! It also freezes well too. Gonna make it again tonight!

    Reply

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