Traditional Ham and Bean Soup (just like Grandma used to make!)

dried navy beans

🥗Healthier: canned beans

💰Cheaper: dried pinto beans

Canned beans save time and effort, while pinto beans are often less expensive.

ham hock

🥗Healthier: smoked turkey leg

💰Cheaper: bacon

Smoked turkey provides a similar flavor with less fat, while bacon is more affordable.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and seasoned water can be a budget-friendly alternative.

fresh parsley

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Spinach adds nutrients, and dried herbs are often less costly.

Rinse the beans thoroughly, and place into a pot of boiling water. The beans should be completely submerged. Turn the heat off and cover. Let soak for 1 hour.

Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large stock pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until onions are translucent but not brown.

Add minced garlic and cook for another couple minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and 6 cups of water.

Add thyme, mustard, black pepper, seasoned salt, paprika, nutmeg, and bay leaves.

Add ham hock and ham bone (with some meat still on it).

Bring everything to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook on a low simmer for 1 hour.

Strain the beans and then add to the soup pot. Stir, and simmer for an additional 2 hours.

Turn off heat and discard ham hocks and bay leaves. Remove ham bone from pot and separate meat. Roughly chop any larger hunks of meat, and then return the ham meat to the pot.

Serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: