Name: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb dried navy or Great Northern beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed); 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups diced ham (or a ham bone or hock for more flavor); 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Salt, to taste; Optional: 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes for extra flavor

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

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This Ham and Bean Soup is rich and filling, made with tender beans, flavorful ham, and a variety of vegetables. It’s an easy way to use leftover ham and provides the perfect warmth and nourishment in each bowl.

Author: Stephanie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 lb dried navy or Great Northern beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed)
8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups diced ham (or a ham bone or hock for more flavor)
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
Optional: 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes for extra flavor

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Instructions

Prepare Beans: If using dried beans, rinse and soak them in water overnight. Drain before cooking.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Beans and Broth: Add the soaked beans (or canned beans), water or chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and diced ham or ham bone. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any remaining meat, and return the meat to the pot.
Optional Tomato Addition: If you prefer a slightly tomato-flavored broth, stir in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread or cornbread.

Notes

Using Canned Beans: If you’re short on time, use canned beans and skip the initial soaking. Reduce cooking time to 45 minutes.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 3 months and reheat on the stove.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/hearty-ham-and-bean-soup/