Old Country Ham and Bean Soup

Name: Old Country Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried navy beans; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ham hock or diced ham; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Dinner | Homestyle Cooking

I never thought I could fall in love with a soup until I tried my hand at making this Old Country Ham and Bean Soup. The combination of savory ham and hearty beans creates a comforting bowl that feels like home. Every spoonful is packed with flavor, and the best part is how easy it is to make! After a long day, nothing beats coming home to a warm pot simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with the most delicious aroma. It's the perfect recipe for those chilly evening meals, and it warms the soul.

Created by

The Florencebakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-14T17:18:19.265Z

When I first made this soup, I was looking for something hearty, fulfilling, and wildly comforting. After experimenting with various spices and ingredients, I landed on a perfect blend that reminded me of my grandmother's kitchen, where the meals were always made with love. The hint of smoky ham paired with the tender beans, simmering away, truly brought the flavors together.

What I found works best is to let the soup simmer for a longer time on low heat. This method allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, ensuring that each bite rewards you with a little hug of flavor. I recommend serving it with crusty bread for a complete experience!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich and hearty flavors that remind you of home
Nutrient-packed and perfect for cold nights
Easy to prepare and great for meal prep

Bean Preparation

Soaking the dried navy beans is essential for achieving the right texture and cooking time. I recommend soaking them overnight, but if you're short on time, a quick soak method can work too. Just bring the beans to a boil in water for about 2 minutes, remove them from the heat, and let them sit for 1 hour. This allows the beans to rehydrate effectively, ensuring they become creamy during cooking and not mushy.

To avoid potential digestive discomfort, make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before soaking. This helps to remove any residual impurities and the oligosaccharides that can cause gas. If you want to enhance the flavor of the beans even further, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar during the soaking process.

Importance of Seasoning

Seasoning at the right stages of cooking is crucial to developing the soup's rich flavors. When you first sauté the vegetables, adding salt helps to draw out their moisture and intensify their sweetness. Be cautious not to add too much at once; rather, taste and adjust as the soup simmers. Remember, the ham will also contribute saltiness, so adjust accordingly.

Once the soup is nearly finished simmering, taste it again before serving. This is an excellent time to tweak the flavors. A dash of freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can elevate the dish, brightening the overall flavor profile without overshadowing the natural tastes of the beans and ham.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Old Country Ham and Bean Soup can depend on the occasion and your personal preferences. For a heartier meal, I often serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the soup and adds nutritional variety to your meal.

If you're hosting friends or family, consider offering crusty bread or homemade cornbread on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the soup right before serving not only provides color but also a fresh burst of flavor. For those who enjoy spice, a drizzle of hot sauce can provide a delightful kick.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Old Country Ham and Bean Soup:

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ham hock or diced ham
6 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you'll have everything you need for a delicious soup.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Old Country Ham and Bean Soup:

Prepare the Beans

Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. This will help soften them and reduce cooking time.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic and Ham

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the ham hock or diced ham to the pot.

Combine Ingredients

Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 75 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.

Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using leftover smoked ham instead of a ham hock. This adds an extra depth that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This ham and bean soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors meld even further as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. When storing, allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe uses navy beans, feel free to substitute with other beans like pinto or cannellini beans if that's what you have on hand. The cooking time may differ slightly, so keep an eye on the beans for tenderness. For a twist, you could also add diced potatoes or butternut squash during the simmering stage for additional texture and sweetness.

For a spicier version of this soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper during the sautéing phase. This will impart a mild heat that balances beautifully with the richness of the ham and the creaminess of the beans. Don’t forget to adjust your other seasonings to maintain harmony in flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned beans instead?

Yes, you can use canned beans! Just rinse and drain them, and add them in during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

→ How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.