This Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs creates a deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The richness of the ham infuses the soup with flavor, while the beans add heartiness, making each bite warming and delicious.
The best part? This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, and it’s easy to make in a Dutch oven. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup that everyone will love. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ham, cubed
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2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 bay leaf
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1/2 teaspoon thyme
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ham cubes and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove ham from the pot and set aside.
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In the same Dutch oven, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the soaked navy beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.
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Once the beans are cooked, add the ham back into the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Taste and add salt as needed.
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Remove the bay leaf before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal
Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup
Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights at home or as a hearty family meal. This flavorful soup combines savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a Dutch oven. Known for its depth of flavor and satisfying texture, this dish is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. It’s rich, nourishing, and easy to make, making it a go-to choice for busy home cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Using a Dutch oven to prepare this soup ensures that the ingredients meld together beautifully. The slow simmering process helps infuse the beans with the smoky richness of the ham, resulting in a dish that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this soup is sure to please. In addition to its amazing flavor, this dish is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. You can adjust the level of seasoning, add more vegetables, or even switch up the type of beans. The versatility of Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup makes it an excellent choice for any occasion.
The Richness of Ham and Beans
The heart of this dish is undoubtedly the ham and beans. The ham provides a savory, smoky flavor that complements the soft, creamy beans. Typically, navy beans are used for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which allows them to absorb the delicious broth. Ham is a perfect protein to pair with beans because it infuses the soup with a rich, meaty depth. You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal, a ham bone, or even a fresh ham steak, depending on what you have available. This makes it a great recipe to use up leftovers and avoid waste.
The beans themselves are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Navy beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal. They also provide the soup with a hearty, satisfying base that makes it filling and energizing. This makes Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup not only a comfort food classic but also a nourishing dish that’s great for overall health.
Why Use a Dutch Oven for This Recipe?
A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware that is perfect for slow-cooked recipes like this ham and bean soup. The heavy, cast-iron construction of a Dutch oven allows for even heat distribution, which helps prevent hot spots and ensures that your soup simmers slowly and evenly. It’s also great for making soups, stews, and braised dishes because it can retain heat for a long time, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
Another advantage of using a Dutch oven is its ability to go from stovetop to oven, making it ideal for recipes that require both browning and slow cooking. While this particular recipe doesn’t require oven time, the Dutch oven still excels in creating that deep, rich flavor you want in a ham and bean soup. The lid traps moisture and heat, keeping the soup at the perfect temperature for long, slow cooking, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Health Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup
While Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is undeniably delicious, it also offers a variety of health benefits. The combination of ham, beans, and vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They help support digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol. In addition to the benefits of beans, the ham adds a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. While ham can be high in sodium, using a low-sodium broth or limiting the amount of added salt can help keep this dish on the healthier side.
The vegetables in this soup, such as carrots, celery, and onions, also contribute to its nutritional value. These veggies are low in calories but rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall well-being. The combination of protein, fiber, and nutrients makes Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup a filling and wholesome meal that will keep you satisfied and energized.
How to Customize Your Ham and Bean Soup
One of the best aspects of Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you’re looking to make the soup a bit lighter, you can opt for a leaner cut of ham or reduce the amount of ham in the recipe. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or potatoes, to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
If you want to give the soup a bit of a kick, you can add some chili flakes or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a more subtle taste, you can keep the seasoning simple with just salt, pepper, and thyme. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can make this dish even more exciting, so don’t hesitate to try variations until you find the flavor profile you love.
For those who follow a specific diet, this recipe is easily adaptable. You can make it gluten-free by ensuring that all the ingredients, including the broth, are free from gluten. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use plant-based protein options like tempeh or tofu for a meat-free alternative. No matter how you choose to modify it, this recipe can easily fit into various dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving the soup with crusty bread or warm rolls. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup and add a refreshing balance. If you’re looking for something more substantial, a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes would make a satisfying addition to the meal.
This soup is also perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be easily reheated for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner. Additionally, it freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store individual portions in the freezer for later. This makes it a convenient dish to have on hand for busy weeks when you don’t have time to cook.
Conclusion
Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. It’s a nourishing, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening with your family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this soup is always a winner.
Not only does it provide a great way to use up leftover ham, but it also offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as-is or make a few tweaks to personalize it, this Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a delicious homemade soup that warms both the body and the soul.