Ham and Bean Soup - The Cheap and Easy Soup I Make Every Fall

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey ham reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

white beans

🥗Healthier: cannellini beans

💰Cheaper: navy beans

Navy beans are often less expensive and work well in stews.

Start by making the stock with 3 pounds of smoked ham shank or smoked ham hocks and 1/2 pound of chopped smoked ham steak.

Add 2 bay leaves, 4 cups of chicken stock, and 3 cups of water to a pot.

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer with a lid slightly cracked.

Let the stock simmer for at least 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to skim off any scum that forms on top.

After about 1.5 hours, add more water if necessary to keep the ham covered.

After about 5 hours, turn off the heat and check the flavor of the stock.

In a separate process, prepare the beans by rinsing them and boiling them for 5 minutes, then cover and place them in a 325°F oven for about 90 minutes until soft.

Once the stock is ready, add 1 medium diced onion, 3 diced celery ribs, 1 large diced carrot, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme to the pot.

Finally, add the prepared 1 pound of cannellini beans to the pot and stir everything together.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: