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Cozy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Leftover Ham Bone Soup

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A warm, hearty soup made from leftover ham bone and white beans, simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables for a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Leftover ham bone with some meat attached, trimmed and chopped
  • 1.5 cups (300g) dried white beans (navy beans, great northern, or cannellini), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1.5 cups dried white beans under cold water. Soak overnight in plenty of water or quick soak by boiling beans and water for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
  2. Trim and chop any meat from the leftover ham bone into bite-sized pieces. Set meat aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
  4. Add minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add drained beans, ham bone with reserved meat, and 6 cups low-sodium broth. Increase heat to bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if soup becomes too thick. Beans should be tender but not mushy.
  7. Remove ham bone and bay leaves carefully. Pick off any remaining meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.
  8. Season gradually with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go.
  9. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over soup just before serving.

Notes

Soak beans overnight or use quick soak to reduce cooking time and prevent mushy beans. Brown vegetables for added depth. Simmer gently to avoid breaking beans and cloudy broth. Skim excess fat if desired. Season gradually due to salty ham. Fresh parsley added at the end brightens flavor. Can be adapted for slow cooker or Instant Pot. Use canned beans added late to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and bean soup, leftover ham bone soup, cozy soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, slow simmer soup, leftover recipes, comfort food

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