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Cozy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with Leftover Easter Ham and Root Veggies

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A comforting and hearty soup that transforms leftover Easter ham and root vegetables into a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced leftover Easter ham or ham hock/bone for deeper flavor
  • 1 cup dried navy beans or great northern beans (soaked overnight or quick soak method) or canned beans
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (can add ham bone or ham broth if available)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add chopped carrots and parsnips. Stir to coat and cook for another 5 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness.
  4. Add diced ham and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If using a ham bone, add it now. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Add soaked beans, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 40 minutes. Check occasionally and add water if necessary.
  6. Check for tenderness: beans should be tender but not mushy; root vegetables soft but still holding shape. Remove ham bone if used, scrape off any meat, and return it to the pot.
  7. Optional: Remove about 1 cup of beans and vegetables, blend until smooth with a little broth, then stir back into the pot for a creamier texture.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika or cayenne if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Soaking dried beans reduces cooking time and improves texture. Use ham bone for deeper flavor but remove before serving. Blend a portion of the soup for a velvety texture without cream. Add salt towards the end to avoid over-salting. Soup thickens as it cools; add broth or water when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and bean soup, leftover ham recipe, cozy soup, root vegetable soup, easy soup recipe, leftover Easter ham, hearty soup

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/cozy-ham-and-bean-soup-recipe-with-leftover-easter-ham-and-root-veggies/