Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams

Name: Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ham bone (preferably meaty) or 2 ham hocks; 10 cups water (for simmering); 1 pound dry navy beans, rinsed; 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1.5 teaspoons table salt); 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base; 3 bay leaves; 3 cups celery, chopped; 2 large onions, chopped; 6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced; 5 sprigs fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional); 5 cups water (add during later steps); 4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded; 3 cups chopped ham (from the ham bone, hocks, or ham steak); Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish); Shredded Parmesan cheese (to garnish); French bread (for serving, optional)

By:

jeremy

Published:

February 14, 2026

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The Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that warms the soul. Picture this: a chilly evening, maybe it’s raining outside. You walk into your kitchen, and the rich aroma of simmering ham, beans, and vegetables wraps around you like a cozy blanket. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients that bring comfort and warmth with every spoonful. It’s easy to make, which means you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the moment with loved ones. As we traverse this culinary journey together, I’ll share not just steps, but the memories and feelings that make this soup special. So grab your ham bone, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something magical—your very own bowl of Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the standout features of this Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams is the ham bone’s magic as a flavor enhancer. That’s right—a simple bone packed with flavor can elevate your soup in ways you wouldn’t imagine. By simmering the ham bone, all those rich, savory flavors seep into the broth, creating a depth that no other ingredients can match.

Additionally, the simple, wholesome ingredients combine to create complex flavors. From the hearty navy beans to aromatic vegetables, each component plays a vital role in building that perfect taste. It’s incredible how a few straightforward items can come together for such a satisfying dish.

Another great benefit is the versatility in cooking methods. Whether you prefer the stovetop’s quick results or the slow cooker’s hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams

When the weather turns cold, there’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup. This Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams delivers hearty comfort food that’s perfect for those chilly evenings. Picture yourself wrapped in a blanket, savoring each bite. Doesn’t that sound nice?

What’s even better? It’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal cleanup involved. You’ll spend more time enjoying the flavors rather than washing pots and pans. Plus, this dish is steeped in nostalgic flavors that transport you back to that cozy kitchen from your childhood, reminding you of home with every delicious spoonful.

Ingredients

1 ham bone (preferably meaty) or 2 ham hocks
10 cups water (for simmering)
1 pound dry navy beans, rinsed
2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1.5 teaspoons table salt)
2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
3 bay leaves
3 cups celery, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
5 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
5 cups water (add during later steps)
4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
3 cups chopped ham (from the ham bone, hocks, or ham steak)
Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)
Shredded Parmesan cheese (to garnish)
French bread (for serving, optional)

Preparing the Ham Bone for Flavor

Prepare Your Ham Bone

First, let’s get that ham bone ready. Cut off the meaty portions of the ham, aiming for about 2-3 cups of meat. Set aside that deliciousness, then place the ham bone into a large stock pot—make sure it holds at least 6 quarts, as we’ll be adding plenty of other ingredients soon.

Cooking the Beans and Broth

Add Water and Beans

Next, pour in 10 cups of water. Now, toss in those rinsed dry navy beans, salt, Better Than Bouillon, and the bay leaves.

Simmer the Base

Bring your mixture to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, this is where the magic begins. Let it simmer for one hour, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Adding Vegetables for Depth

Prep the Veggies

While your soup is simmering, it’s time to prep some vegetables. Chop up 3 cups of celery, 2 large onions, and smash and mince 6 cloves of garlic—this will add that aromatic kick to your soup.

Incorporate the Vegetables

After an hour of simmering, add the chopped celery, onions, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir them in gently, allowing their flavors to mingle with the existing broth.

Infusing More Flavor

Add Spices and Water

Now it’s time to elevate those flavors even more. Introduce 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, toss in the chipotle chili powder. To compensate for evaporation, add 5 cups of water.

Continue Simmering

Bring the pot back to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce that heat again to maintain a low simmer. Allow it to cook for another hour, letting all those wonderful flavors deepen.

Finishing Touches

Shred the Carrots

Give your carrots some love! Wash, peel, and shred 4 medium carrots, then add them to the soup. The sweetness from the carrots brings a lovely balance.

Remove the Ham Bone

Now it’s time for the ham bone to make its exit. Extract it from the pot and shred any remaining meat. Return this delicious morsel back to the mix along with the pre-cut ham you set aside earlier.

Final Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 30 minutes. By now, those beans and carrots will be tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

When serving up your Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams, ladle it into bowls served hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese to elevate each bite. Pair with crusty French bread, and you have a satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.

Tips for Success

Using a meaty ham bone is crucial for the best flavor.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, swap out navy beans for other legumes like kidney beans. You could also add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, for a nutrient boost.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. If you’d like to save some for later, freeze portions in ziplock bags for easy reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dry?
Yes! Simply use about three 15-ounce cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained. Just reduce your cooking time accordingly.
How can I thicken my soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some beans against the pot’s side or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The soup freezes well; just leave space in the container for expansion.
What can I substitute for the ham bone?
Two ham hocks or cubed ham steak will work perfectly.
How long does the soup take to prepare?
Including prep and cooking time, set aside around 3 hours for this comforting dish.

This Ham and Bean Soup of My Dreams isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about creating moments with loved ones. Picture the warmth, the laughter, and the joy of sharing food that brings you back to cherished memories. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a tradition that promises to comfort and satisfy. So gather your ingredients, ignite your stove, and let’s create some delicious history in your kitchen!