Hearty Ham and Bean Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

This Ham and Bean Soup is a classic, cozy dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables, it’s easy to make and even better the next day.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

2 cups dried navy beans or great northern beans (or 4 cups canned beans, drained and rinsed)

1–2 cups cooked ham, diced (or leftover ham bone with meat)

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp black pepper

Salt, to taste (adjust if using salty ham)

Optional: 1–2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans