Go Back

Basic Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

This basic ham and bean soup is simple, hearty, and deeply comforting. Made with tender great northern beans, a smoky ham hock, and classic vegetables, it’s the kind of slow-simmered soup that fills the kitchen with warmth. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings or make-ahead meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 273
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups water
  • 1 pound dry great northern beans sorted and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 ham hock
  • 2 cups chopped ham
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or ladle

Method
 

  1. Add the water and rinsed beans to a large pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the salt, remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
  2. After soaking, add the carrots, onion, celery, garlic, mustard powder, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well, then add the ham hock. Bring the soup back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour.
  3. Remove the ham hock from the pot and discard it. Stir in the chopped ham and continue simmering for about 30 minutes, until the soup is heated through and the flavors are well blended.
  4. Season with ground white pepper to taste, remove bay leaves, and serve hot.