Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup

This basic ham and bean soup made with canned great northern beans and other pantry staples is a quick and easy choice for a hearty weeknight meal.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 238 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups water, or as needed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 thick slice fully cooked ham with bone
• 1 (16 ounce) can great northern beans, undrained
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Remove ham from the bone; cut meat into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the bone.

Step 2

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add ham; cook and stir until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

Step 3

At the same time, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Pour undrained beans into vegetable mixture. Add ham, reserved ham bone, water, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 minutes, adding more water if a thinner consistency is desired.

Step 5

Remove ham bone and bay leaves before serving.