There’s something comforting about a bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients like tender beans, smoky ham, and a medley of savory seasonings. Mixed Bean Ham Soup is a classic dish that not only warms you up on chilly days but also satisfies your hunger with its rich, fulfilling flavors. This recipe is perfect for those who love a blend of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re looking to cook up a big batch for a family meal or prepare a comforting dinner for yourself, this recipe is simple, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. With the right ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a flavorful, filling soup that will keep you coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delicious dish!
Mixed Bean Ham Soup Recipe
This soup combines the heartiness of mixed beans, the saltiness of ham, and the freshness of vegetables. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, offering the perfect balance of flavors. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what you prefer. This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd or provide several comforting meals throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, let’s take a look at the star ingredients you’ll need to bring this soup to life. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses common pantry staples, so you likely won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
- Mixed Beans: A combination of beans like kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, and pinto beans is ideal. You can use canned beans for convenience or soak dried beans overnight for a richer flavor.
- Ham: Leftover ham or ham hocks work best for this soup. The salty, smoky flavor infuses the broth, making the soup rich and savory. You can also use ham steaks or diced ham.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form the base of the soup. They provide depth and sweetness that balance the savory beans and ham.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, aromatic punch to the soup. Fresh garlic is preferred, but you can use garlic powder if needed.
- Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth is ideal. It provides the soup with a savory base, and you can always adjust the flavor by adding a bit more seasoning.
- Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper bring layers of flavor to the dish. The spices will slowly infuse the broth as it simmers.
- Salt: While the ham adds saltiness, it’s important to taste and adjust the salt levels throughout the cooking process.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables. You can also use butter or another fat of your choice.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered everything we need, let’s jump into the process of making this soup. It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but the slow simmering is what gives it that deep, comforting flavor.
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Prepare The Beans
- If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. This helps them cook faster and improves their texture.
- Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add The Ham
- Stir in your diced ham, cooking it for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown slightly. This adds extra depth to the soup’s flavor.
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Combine The Beans And Broth
- Add the prepared beans to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Pour in enough broth to cover the beans and vegetables by about 1 inch.
- Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning as it cooks. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
- If you’re using ham hocks or bone-in ham, let it simmer for longer (around 2 hours) for the meat to tenderize and release its flavors.
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Finish And Serve
- Once the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, remove the bay leaves.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this soup has a purpose and brings something unique to the table:
- Mixed Beans: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various nutrients like iron and folate. They give the soup a hearty texture and make it filling.
- Ham: Not just for flavor, ham is rich in protein and provides a satisfying, meaty bite that contrasts with the beans.
- Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion): These are the aromatic vegetables that form the base of most soups. They not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute natural sweetness and a savory base.
- Broth: The foundation of any great soup. Chicken or vegetable broth gives the soup body and flavor. It’s the liquid in which all the other ingredients will merge and marry.
- Spices (Bay leaves, Thyme, Black Pepper): The herbs and spices elevate the soup, adding complexity and layers of flavor. Bay leaves infuse a subtle, earthy note, while thyme offers a hint of pine-like fragrance. Black pepper adds just enough bite to balance the sweetness of the vegetables.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Mixed Bean Ham Soup is perfect every time, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use leftover ham: If you have leftover holiday ham, this soup is the perfect way to use it up. The smoky flavor from the ham makes all the difference.
- Let the soup sit overnight: Like many soups, Mixed Bean Ham Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it ahead of time and reheating for an even more flavorful meal.
- Adjust the thickness: If your soup is too thick, add extra broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice: Right before serving, a splash of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the soup.
- Vegetarian version: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding more vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms to give the soup an earthy flavor.
Recipe Variations
While this Mixed Bean Ham Soup recipe is fantastic as it is, you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are a few ways to make this soup your own:
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give the soup some heat.
- Herb Blend: If you’re a fan of herbs, consider adding rosemary or sage to the mix for a more robust, earthy flavor.
- Tomato-Based: For a slight variation, add a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste to the soup for a richer, tomatoey base.
- Smoked Sausage: Instead of ham, try smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile. This will add a slightly different smokiness and texture to the soup.
Final Words
Mixed Bean Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that can be made on a Sunday and enjoyed throughout the week, offering something for everyone-whether you love the hearty beans, the tender ham, or the savory broth. This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and a great way to use up leftovers while still creating something that feels fresh and flavorful. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
For a basic mixed bean ham soup, you will need the following ingredients: mixed beans (such as kidney beans, navy beans, and black beans), leftover ham (or ham hocks), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients include diced tomatoes and spinach or kale for added flavor.
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead Of Canned Beans For Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked beforehand. To do this, rinse the beans, then soak them overnight in plenty of water. Alternatively, you can use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour before cooking. Keep in mind that dried beans take longer to cook than canned beans.
How Long Should I Cook Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
The cooking time for mixed bean ham soup varies depending on the type of beans and the method used. If you’re using canned beans, the soup can be ready in about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If using dried beans, the soup may take 2 to 3 hours, as the beans need time to cook thoroughly. If you’re using a slow cooker, it may take 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high.
What Kind Of Ham Is Best For Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
For mixed bean ham soup, it’s ideal to use leftover ham or ham hocks. Ham hocks provide rich, smoky flavor, while leftover ham is easy to work with and can be shredded into the soup. If you don’t have either, you can also use a store-bought ham steak or diced smoked ham.
Can I Make Mixed Bean Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, mixed bean ham soup is perfect for slow cooking. Simply add all your ingredients (soaked dried beans, ham, vegetables, broth, and seasonings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and results in a tender, flavorful soup.
Can I Freeze Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
Yes, mixed bean ham soup can be frozen. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth as the soup may thicken when frozen.
What Should I Serve With Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
Mixed bean ham soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, you could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light potato dish.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables To My Mixed Bean Ham Soup?
Absolutely! Mixed bean ham soup is very versatile, and you can add extra vegetables based on your preferences. Consider adding spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for added greens. You can also include potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
How Can I Make My Mixed Bean Ham Soup Spicier?
To make your mixed bean ham soup spicier, you can add ingredients like diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder to enhance the flavor profile while adding heat.
Can I Make Mixed Bean Ham Soup Without Ham?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of mixed bean soup without ham. Replace the ham with vegetable broth or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor typically provided by the ham.