Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a delightful bowl of Ham and Green Bean Soup! This hearty American classic is not only a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings, but it also transforms leftover ham into a savory masterpiece that your family will love. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a simmering aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table, this recipe is a must-try. Are you ready to discover how to create a deliciously satisfying soup that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups green beans, trimmed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the cooked ham into small cubes, chopping the onion finely, trimming the green beans, and cubing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, which helps develop a rich base flavor for the soup.
- Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to release its savory flavors and slightly caramelize.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low-medium, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender.
- Add the green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Continue simmering for an additional 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the green beans to become tender but still retain a slight crispness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional thyme.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the ham ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions until they’re translucent adds a depth of flavor that makes the soup truly delicious.
- Broth Matters: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth can elevate your soup to the next level!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or celery, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: To maintain a nice texture, add the green beans towards the end of cooking. They should be tender yet still crisp.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to ensure it’s just right for your palate.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
