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Robust Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Robust Ham and Bean Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 13.5 to 14 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty ham and bean soup recipe brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining smoky pork and creamy white beans in a soul-warming blend. Rich flavors mingle effortlessly, promising warmth with each spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound dry great northern beans
  • 2 cups chopped cooked ham
  • 1 ham hock

Vegetables:

  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquid:

  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash dry beans and soak overnight in cold water, alternatively rapid-soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting covered for 1 hour, then drain completely.
  2. Combine soaked beans, water, ham hock, chopped ham, diced carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, and white pepper in a spacious soup pot.
  3. Heat mixture to robust boiling point over medium-high temperature, then immediately reduce to gentle simmer, covering pot and maintaining low heat for approximately 1.5-2 hours, periodically stirring contents.
  4. Verify bean tenderness and flavor integration, then extract ham hock, carefully separating meat from bones and fat, returning shredded meat to soup while discarding remaining bone components.
  5. Adjust seasoning with salt, enhancing soup consistency by either partially puréeing several soup cups or creating cornstarch slurry for additional thickness.
  6. Present piping hot soup accompanied by rustic crusty bread or complementary grilled cheese sandwich for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Soak beans properly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even cooking and softer texture.
  • Use leftover ham bones or ham hock for deeper, richer flavor that infuses the entire soup with smoky undertones.
  • Customize thickness by partially blending some beans or adding cornstarch, creating a creamy consistency without losing chunky elements.
  • Adapt for dietary needs by using smoked turkey instead of ham for a leaner protein option or vegetarian broth for a plant-based version.
  • Prep Time: 12 hours (overnight soaking)
  • Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg