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Best Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Name: Best Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: ham bone with meat 1 piece; diced cooked ham 2 cups; dry navy beans 1.5 cups; carrot 2 pieces; celery stalk 2 pieces; yellow onion 1 piece; minced garlic 2 cloves; water 8 cups; bay leaf 1 piece; dried thyme 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; salt 0.75 tsp

Slow-simmered ham and bean soup transforms a leftover ham bone into a deeply flavorful, protein-rich bowl. This healthy, family-friendly soup is budget-friendly and freezer-perfect for meal prep days.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal

#protein-rich #freezer meal #budget-friendly #family-friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

ham bone with meat 1 piece
diced cooked ham 2 cups
dry navy beans 1.5 cups
carrot 2 pieces
celery stalk 2 pieces
yellow onion 1 piece
minced garlic 2 cloves
water 8 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

bay leaf 1 piece
dried thyme 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
salt 0.75 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 36 g 45%

Protein 22 g 28%

Fat 8 g 22%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse navy beans and soak them overnight in water, or use a quick soak method; drain before cooking.
2

Place ham bone, diced ham, soaked beans, water, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large soup pot.
3

Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently, partially covered, for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and check bean tenderness.
4

Remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Shred any meat from the bone, returning it to the soup for added richness.
5

Taste and adjust seasoning; simmer another 10–15 minutes for flavor meld. Serve hot, garnished as desired.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Ham and Bean Soup recipe?

The standout ingredient is the ham bone, which infuses the soup with deep flavor and savory richness. Diced cooked ham and navy beans also play a major role, with the beans providing a hearty texture and protein, while vegetables like carrot, celery, and onion contribute aromatic depth.

Q. How do I control the soup consistency and avoid soggy beans?

Simmer the soup gently over low heat after bringing it to a boil. Stir occasionally, and check the beans after 90 minutes; they should be tender but not mushy. If needed, extend simmering in short increments. Avoid boiling for long periods, which can break up beans and cloud the broth.

Q. What prevents this soup from being greasy or overly salty?

Using water as the primary liquid and controlling the salt in the seasoning list helps maintain a balanced flavor without excess sodium. Removing excess fat from the ham bone after simmering further ensures a clean, not greasy finish. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end.

Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?

Each serving is around 320 kcal, with about 22g protein and 36g carbohydrates. The caloric ratio is roughly 28% protein to 45% carbs, making it a balanced, protein-rich option.

Q. Is this soup suitable for meal prep or freezing?

Yes, Ham and Bean Soup is ideal for meal prep. Its robust flavor and texture hold up well after freezing and reheating, making it a practical, budget-friendly solution for busy families.

Best Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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