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–+ servings
Bowl of ham and bean soup with fresh herbs.
4.8 from 4 votes
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Yield: 8 servings

Rosemary Ham and Bean Soup with Ham Bone

Rosemary ham and bean soup is packed with fresh herbs, tender beans, juicy ham, and more. It's the perfect meal for a cold winter day!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time3 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Great Northern White Beans
  • 1 pound navy beans
  • Water for soaking
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large yellow sweet onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 12 cups water
  • 1 ham bone
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
  • 1 heaping cup chopped ham, optional
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons freshly ground back pepper, to taste

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Instructions 

  • Rinse and sort beans in a large pot. Add 16 cups hot water. Bring to a rapid boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Immediately remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour. Then drain and rinse beans, set aside.
  • In a large stockpot (I used a 12 quart stock pot) over medium high heat, melt butter. Add garlic, then cook for 30 seconds. Add onion and celery, cook till beginning to soften.
  • Add 12 cups water, ham bone and pre-soaked beans. Bring to boil and cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender.
  • Add rosemary, chopped ham, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • Remove ham bone and discard. Serve hot with a hunk of warm French bread or better yet, our favorite beer bread!

Notes

Store: This soup makes wonderful leftovers and the flavors only intensify! Simply seal the soup in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat servings on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Freeze: You can make larger batches of this soup to store frozen for up to 3-4 months, if you like. Let the soup cool completely and then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw the soup overnight, or warm it from frozen on the stovetop on low, or in the microwave until heated through.
A review titled Test Kitchen Review features a five-star rating, a quote praising homemade ham and bean soup, and a photo of a bowl of creamy white bean soup with a spoon, sliced bread, and savory ham pieces.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 246kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 823mg, Potassium: 596mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 287IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 116mg, Iron: 3mg
© Jessica - The Novice Chef
Cuisine: American
Category: Soup