Hearty Community Ham and Bean Soup
This comforting Hearty Community Ham and Bean Soup is reminiscent of the warm, homey aromas that filled my grandmother's kitchen on our farm in Ohio. With a blend of savory ham and tender beans, this soup becomes a beloved staple during the chilly winter months. It’s an easy recipe that my daughter proudly keeps alive for her family, and it brings smiles to our neighbors whenever I share a pot of it. Enjoy this delightful soup paired with a warm piece of homemade cornbread, making it the perfect dish to share with friends and family. The depth of flavor and heartiness of this soup creates not just a meal, but a cherished experience. I may not remember where this recipe originated, but it has surely brought warmth and happiness to our home, and I hope it does the same for you.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried great northern beans
2 cups (rinse and drain)
chicken broth
5 cups (low sodium recommended)
water
3 cups (for cooking beans and soup)
meaty ham bone
1 large (or substitute with 2 or 3 smoked ham hocks)
chicken bouillon granules
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried savory
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
medium carrots
3 (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (chopped, includes a handful of leaves)
large potato
1 (cubed (optional))
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried great northern beans under cold water until the water runs clear. Place them in a Dutch oven or large soup kettle and cover with water, ensuring the beans are submerged by at least 2 inches.
2
Bring the water to a boil and let the beans boil for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from heat, covering it tightly, and let it stand for 1 hour. Afterward, drain the beans and set aside.
3
In the same pot, combine the drained beans with the chicken broth, additional water, ham bone (or hocks), chicken bouillon, and the dried herbs and spices. Bring to a vigorous boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check for tenderness in the beans.
5
In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they soften—about 5-7 minutes. If using, add the cubed potato to the mixture.
6
After the beans have simmered, add the sautéed vegetables and potatoes to the soup. Continue to cover and simmer for an additional hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Once done, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot, debone it, and chop the ham into bite-sized pieces. Return the ham to the soup.
8
Taste and skim off any fat from the surface if necessary, although you may find there isn’t much fat to remove. For a creamier texture, mash some of the softened beans against the side of the pot with a fork or a potato masher, stirring them back into the soup.
9
Serve steaming hot with a side of warm cornbread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Community Ham and Bean Soup?
It is a comforting and homey soup made with savory ham and tender beans, often served during chilly winter months.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of dried great northern beans.
How should the dried beans be prepared?
Rinse the beans under cold water, boil them for 2 minutes, let them stand covered for 1 hour, and then drain.
Can I substitute the ham bone?
Yes, you can substitute one large meaty ham bone with 2 or 3 smoked ham hocks.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of chicken broth, with low sodium recommended.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried thyme, dried marjoram, rubbed sage, and dried savory.
How long does the soup need to simmer initially?
Once the beans, broth, and ham bone are combined and boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
Should I sauté the vegetables before adding them?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in vegetable oil for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The recipe includes onion, carrots, celery ribs (including leaves), and an optional large potato.
Is the potato mandatory?
No, the large cubed potato is an optional ingredient.
How do I achieve a creamier texture for the soup?
Mash some of the softened beans against the side of the pot with a fork or potato masher and stir them back in.
When do I add the sautéed vegetables to the pot?
Add the sautéed vegetables and optional potatoes after the beans have finished their initial 2-3 hour simmer.
What should I do with the ham bone once the soup is cooked?
Remove the bone, debone it, chop the ham into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the soup.
What is the recommended side dish for this soup?
This soup is best paired with a warm piece of homemade cornbread.
How much water is added to the soup base?
In addition to the broth, add 3 cups of water for cooking.
How much chicken bouillon is used?
The recipe uses 2-3 tablespoons of chicken bouillon granules to taste.
What is the final simmering time after adding vegetables?
Simmer for an additional hour after adding the sautéed vegetables and potatoes.
How much vegetable oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
What amount of black pepper is suggested?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
Should I use the celery leaves?
Yes, the recipe suggests including a handful of celery leaves when chopping the ribs.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much dried marjoram is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram.
What amount of rubbed sage is added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of rubbed sage for seasoning.
What amount of dried savory is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried savory.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven or a large soup kettle is recommended.
Do I need to skim fat off the soup?
You can taste and skim off any fat from the surface if necessary before serving.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished recipe that the author's daughter keeps alive for her family.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 3 medium chopped carrots.
How many celery ribs are required?
Use 2 celery ribs, chopped.
Is this soup suitable for sharing?
Yes, the author notes it brings smiles to neighbors whenever a pot is shared.