Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the ham bone by cutting off the meaty portions and placing the bone in a large pot.
- Add 10 cups of water, navy beans, salt, Better Than Bouillon, and bay leaves to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
- Chop and prepare vegetables while the soup simmers.
- After an hour, add celery, onions, and garlic to the pot.
- Introduce fresh thyme, dried thyme, black pepper, and chipotle chili powder, then add 5 cups of water.
- Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for another hour.
- Shred the carrots and add them to the soup.
- Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return the meat to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Using a meaty ham bone is crucial for the best flavor.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 45