Creamy Smoked Ham Bean Soup Recipe

This recipe always hits the spot with its cozy, comforting vibe and rich, smoky flavor that feels just like a warm hug from grandma. Plus, the creamy texture and savory mix of smoked ham and hearty beans make it the ultimate comfort food for those chilly nights when all you want is a bowl of something delicious and soulful.

A warm bowl of homemade soup is the very definition of comfort food. My Creamy Smoked Ham Bean Soup is simple, hearty, and flavorful—not at all like a “diet soup.” The ingredients meld into something satisfyingly rustic, with a richness that’s hard to beat: the flavor of the beans (I used canned, but feel free to use dried beans and cook them first), the smoky ham that’s perfect for a winter meal, and an improbably creamy texture that makes you think there are copious amounts of half-and-half or heavy cream (there aren’t).

Yet somehow this improbably sauce-like soup is a healthful as well as a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Ham that is subjected to the process of smoking takes on a rich protein content and a wealth of flavors.

The result is a ham that has a smoky, savory taste.

Great Northern Beans: Rich in fiber and protein; offer a creamy, robust base.

Olive Oil: Aids in flavoring and sautéing foods; a healthy source of fats.

Onion: Contributes to flavoring and sweetness; depth and richness; high in antioxidants.

Provide natural sweetness; high in beta-carotene and fiber; Carrots.

Garlic: Delivers a powerful flavor punch; reputed for its health-enhancing qualities.

Add richness and creaminess; balance flavors.

Paprika, smoked: Contributes savory, smoky depth and mild spiciness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound smoked ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a wide pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion has turned opaque and is soft and tender, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic, and the diced carrots and celery, and stir. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

3. Incorporate the diced smoked ham into the saucepan and let it simmer for approximately 3 minutes. This gives the ham time to develop a light browning and release its lovely smoky flavor into the dish.

4. Mix the ham and vegetables well with the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf.

5. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors come together nicely.

6. Drain and rinse the great northern beans, and add them to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Turn down the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat up, but don’t let it boil.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste, making any adjustments to the seasoning that you wish.

9. Take out the bay leaf and throw it away.

10. Serve the soup piping hot, adorned with freshly snipped parsley for that extra hint of color and flavor. Then, my friends, enjoy your creamy smoked ham bean soup!

Equipment Needed

1. Wide pot or saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Cutting board
6. Chef’s knife
7. Can opener
8. Spoon (for stirring and serving)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of beans?You can replace great northern beans with either cannellini or navy beans if you want to use a different kind of bean.
• Is there an alternative to heavy cream?Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Can I use a different type of meat?Certainly, a vegetarian version is possible with the necessary modifications to broth and seasoning. Smoked turkey is an option, but omitting the meat altogether can yield a delicious stew.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?Without question, this soup can be prepared a day beforehand. It often improves with sitting. Simply reheat it gently and add a bit more broth, if necessary, to achieve the desired soup-like consistency.
• What if I don’t have smoked paprika?Regular paprika can be used with a small amount of liquid smoke, or, if you prefer, you can leave out the liquid smoke and rely on the smoked ham for flavor.
• Can I freeze this soup?Absolutely, the soup freezes well. Let it cool to room temperature, then portion it into freezer-safe, airtight containers. It will keep for 3 months in the freezer, and you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for it.

Substitutions and Variations

Can be substituted with sunflower oil or vegetable oil: olive oil.
Replacements for smoked ham include cooked bacon and smoked turkey.
Heavy cream: Can be substituted with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Northern beans: Cannellini beans or navy beans can be used as substitutes.
Fresh parsley can be replaced with fresh cilantro or dill, or other herbs.

Pro Tips

1. Layer the Flavors After sautéing the onions, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or a bit of chicken broth before adding the garlic and other vegetables. This will lift any fond (browned bits) from the bottom of the pot and add depth to your soup.

2. Optimal Ham Browning To enhance the smoky flavor, ensure the ham is well-browned. You can remove the veggies temporarily after they’re softened, increase the heat slightly, and give the ham more time to caramelize before mixing everything back together.

3. Enhance the Broth If you have more time, consider simmering the chicken broth with a ham bone (if available) alongside herbs for about 30 minutes before starting the cooking process. This will significantly enhance the broth’s flavor base.

4. Bean Texture For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the soup, or blend a cup of the soup once the beans are added and then return it to the pot.

5. Herb Infusion Tie the bay leaf and a few additional sprigs of thyme together with kitchen twine, creating a bouquet garni. This will allow for easy removal and ensure all herb flavors are fully infused into the soup.