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After countless Sunday dinners at my grandma's house, I've perfected her navy bean and ham soup recipe. It's my go-to comfort food that transforms leftover holiday ham into something magical. The tender beans soak up all the smoky flavors while it simmers, filling my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, this soup makes the whole house smell like home.
The Story Behind This Soup
Every time I make this soup I think of my grandma's kitchen. It's one of those recipes that just makes sense. The ingredients are simple, it costs pennies to make and somehow tastes better the next day. I love serving it when my kids come home from school on cold winter afternoons or bringing a pot to my neighbor who just had surgery. Good soup just has a way of making everything better.
What You'll Need From Your Pantry
- Dried Navy Beans: Grab a bag from the grocery store. Trust me they're worth the overnight soak.
- Ham Bone: Save it from your holiday ham. That's where all the good flavor lives.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to get things started.
- Onion: One big yellow one chopped up.
- Garlic: I use 4 cloves but use what you like.
- Fresh Thyme: From my garden. Dried works too.
- Ground Cumin: Just a pinch for warmth.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Optional but we like a tiny kick.
- Water or Broth: I usually grab the low sodium stuff.
- Salt and Black Pepper: We'll add these at the end.
- Veggies: Throw in some carrots and celery if you want.
Let's Make Soup
- First Night Prep
- Before bed I put my beans in a big bowl of water. They need their beauty sleep.
- Starting the Soup
- Next day I heat up my trusty Dutch oven with some oil. In goes the ham bone onions and garlic until my kitchen smells amazing.
- The Good Part
- Now those soaked beans go in with thyme cumin red pepper and broth. Let it bubble then turn it down low.
- Almost Done
- After about an hour and a half when the beans are soft I pull the meat off the bone. The ham just falls apart by now.
- Time to Eat
- Season it how you like it. I love mine with fresh parsley and warm cornbread on the side.
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My Kitchen Secrets
- Fresh is Best: I grab thyme from my garden but no stress if you only have dried.
- Hold the Salt: That ham bone has plenty. Taste it first before adding more.
- In a Hurry: My Instant Pot works magic with unsoaked beans.
- Make it Colorful: Toss in those extra veggies lurking in your crisper drawer.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
I keep my leftover soup in glass containers in the fridge and it's good for about 3 days. Sometimes I freeze individual portions in my glass containers for busy weeknights. When I reheat it I splash in a bit of water or broth if it looks too thick. Works like a charm every time.
What Goes Well With This Soup
My family goes crazy for this soup with warm crusty bread. I usually grab a loaf from my local bakery or whip up my grandmother's cornbread recipe. Sometimes I make a quick green salad or roast whatever vegetables I have on hand to round out our dinner.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
There's something special about letting a soup simmer all afternoon. The ham bone slowly releases its smoky goodness into every spoonful. My kitchen windows steam up and the whole house smells incredible. It's one of those dishes that makes you slow down and appreciate good home cooking.
Make It Your Own
- No Ham?: I've made this vegetarian by using veggie broth and adding smoked paprika for that smoky taste.
- Switch It Up: Sometimes I use turkey wings or a ham hock from my local butcher.
- Garden Fresh: Summer squash potatoes or whatever looks good at the farmers market.
- Spice It Up: My husband loves his with extra hot sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary from my garden or bay leaves work beautifully too.
Serving at Family Gatherings
I love bringing this to the table in my big blue Dutch oven. It keeps the soup nice and hot while we gather around. Fresh cornbread warm biscuits and a big salad make everyone happy. A sprinkle of parsley or green onions on top makes it look like it belongs in a magazine.
Feeding a Crowd
This soup has saved me countless times when unexpected guests show up. It stretches easily to feed more people and nobody can resist that aroma. Some warm bread and butter on the side and everyone leaves happy. It's my go-to recipe for church potlucks too.
Using Up Every Last Drop
Waste not want not as my grandma would say. I love turning the last bits into a creamy dip for chips. Sometimes I'll thicken it up and serve it over rice for lunch. My kids even love it in little hand pies I make with leftover pie crust. Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen.
My Kids' Most Requested Soup
This recipe has become our family's cold weather tradition. The kids always know what's cooking when they smell that ham bone simmering. It's budget friendly fills hungry bellies and reminds us of cozy family dinners at grandma's house. Some recipes just have a way of becoming part of your family story.
What to Drink With It
My husband loves this with a cold beer but I prefer a glass of crisp white wine. For the kids I make hot apple cider and sometimes add a cinnamon stick. The soup is hearty enough to stand up to whatever you're drinking. Don't forget plenty of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup without soaking the beans?
While you can cook the beans without soaking, soaking them overnight makes them cook faster and more evenly. It also helps reduce gas-causing compounds in the beans.
- → How long can I store leftover bean soup?
The soup stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- → What can I use instead of a ham bone?
If you don't have a ham bone, you can use ham hocks or diced ham instead. The soup won't have quite the same rich flavor, but it will still be delicious.
- → Why shouldn't I add salt at the beginning?
Ham bones can be very salty, and the saltiness concentrates as the soup cooks down. It's better to taste and season at the end to avoid over-salting.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, carrots and celery are great additions to this soup. Add them when you cook the onions for extra flavor and color in your soup.
Conclusion
A classic soup that transforms leftover ham bone and dried beans into a rich, flavorful meal. Perfect for cold days and budget-conscious cooking.