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Old Fashioned Ham Bean Soup Cup
Dominique

Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

5 from 1 vote
A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender navy beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, simmered to perfection with a ham bone for rich flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Classic
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • ½ large yellow onion chopped
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 leftover ham bone
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 2 cups dried navy beans soaked overnight and drained (see Notes)
  • 1 ½ cups chopped leftover ham
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat, then add garlic, celery, carrots, and onion. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
  2. Stir in thyme, bay leaf, ham bone, water, navy beans, and chopped ham. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender.
  3. Remove and discard the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. If the soup is too thick, stir in more water until your desired consistency is reached.
  4. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed, noting that the amount of salt may vary depending on the ham bone's saltiness.

Notes

Remember to soak navy beans overnight before use. Adjust salt carefully, as the saltiness of the ham bone will significantly impact the overall seasoning of the soup.