Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup Recipe

This isn't your grandma's ham and bean soup! Inspired by a love of cowboy caviar and a surplus of canned beans, this recipe is a flavor explosion. A hearty ham bone simmers with a vibrant mix of beans, creating a surprisingly spicy and deeply satisfying soup. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser (though maybe not for the little ones – it packs a punch!). Get ready for a taste sensation that'll have your family and friends begging for more!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 286.8 kcal
Protein 39g
Rating 2.5 (2 Reviews)
Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup 38

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup

  • 1 ham bone (from 7-9 lb ham)
  • 1 1/2 lbs cooked ham, diced (if not using ham bone)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Carrots
  • Celery Ribs
  • Ham Soup Base
  • Water
  • among the 4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans specified
  • among the 4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans specified
  • Black Eyed Peas
  • Pinto Beans
  • 4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans, rinsed and drained (e.g., cannellini, great northern, or navy beans)
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground) and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • bell peppers, as desired
  • fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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How to Make Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add ham bone, canned beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 60-80 minutes, or until the ham bone is very tender and the flavors have melded.
  4. Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

36 g

Sugar

8g

Fat

3g

Carbs

16g

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