Black Bean Ham Soup is a great way to use leftover ham, but the meat can be left out for a delicious vegetarian version.
This recipe for Black Bean and Ham Soup makes a hearty soup that's just perfect for cool weather. We always make it after Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter when we've made smoked ham on the Big Green Egg.
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A super versatile recipe for soup
Versatility is one of the reasons we love it. Leftover ham gives this soup an extra layer of flavor and makes it even heartier, but it makes a mouthwatering vegetarian version too. You would just substitute veggie stock for the chicken stock and leave out the ham.
If you like this recipe or want to try something different than black beans, this 30-Minute Ham and Bean Soup has the same delicious flavors.
Butternut Squash Soup would be made all veggie the same way.
Another great recipe if you've got leftover ham is Ham and Potato Frittata.
Besides the ham you can easily adjust the amount of spice according to your family's preference. If you've been around Biscuits and Burlap for any length of time you know that we love some heat in our food.
We realize, though, that not everyone feels that way, and it's simple enough to tone down the kick, while still keeping all the yummy flavor.
Bean with ham soup is so pretty...
Okay, that's a joke. Truthfully, it's another one of those tastes-great-but-not-so-pretty brown foods. It's difficult to photograph and make it look as good as it tastes - just like Iron Skillet Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
So, either we enjoy challenging our photography skills, or maybe we just like to eat good tasting food, regardless of how it looks.
Garnish is the key for embellishing the looks of our not-so-attractive friend. Here are a few ideas for toppings:
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream
- chopped jalapenos (pickled or fresh)
- herbs such as cilantro or parsley
- diced onions
- crushed tortilla chips
- grated cheese
However, if you don't have time for garnishments, or just plain don't give a darn, leave them off. You're probably not going to be taking pictures of yours, right?
It's still bound to be one of the tastiest bowls of soup you've ever had. Who cares that it's not the prettiest kid on the block. And, do you know what would be perfect with this soup? Sweet Potato Biscuits! They are the best ever!!!!!
Black bean and ham soup is quick and easy
From beginning to end you can have it on the table in under an hour. Don't you love that?
Of course, if you want to make it ahead of time that's fine too. When you get ready to eat, just heat it up. Additionally, it freezes quite well. I usually make a pot of it and freeze half for later.
The beans themselves are used to thicken the soup, so no flour or cornstarch to add empty calories. We like to partially mash the beans, giving a nice thick broth, but still leaving plenty of the beans whole for texture.
This recipe will quickly become a staple in your soup choices. Another one you'll love is She-Crab Soup. It's almost as easy as this Black Bean Soup. And our Easy Potato Soup is foolproof. Check it out here.
Soup and salad are a classic combination and this Salad with Marinated Asparagus and Oranges goes wonderfully with this Black Bean Soup.
📖 Recipe
Black Bean and Ham Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ¾ cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1½-2 cups ham diced (leave out for vegetarian version)
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 45 ounces canned black beans
- 2 cups chicken stock use vegetable stock for vegetarian version
- 10 ounces tomatoes and chili peppers Rotel brand is our favorite
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust according to preference
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add onion and saute' until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic, and saute' additional minute.
- Add ham and saute' additional minute.
- Stir in lime zest, beans (including liquid), stock, tomatoes (including juice), hot sauce and cumin. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Partially mash the beans with potato masher to thicken.
- Add the lime juice and salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with your choice of sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced jalapenos, parsley, crushed corn chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Soups & Stews
- White Cheddar Poblano Soup
- Easy She Crab Soup Recipe
- Chilled Peach Soup with Cucumbers
- Gumbo with Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp, and Crab
- Southern Vegetable Soup with Beef
- Chicken Vegetable Soup: Southern Style
- Italian Sausage Soup with Vegetables & Pasta
- Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder
Sean jones says
that is fantastic, lots of flavor.
Pam says
Thanks Sean!
Margaret Jean Mccracken says
how do I use dried black beans in this recipe?
Pam says
Not sure Margaret. This recipe was specifically written to be made with canned black beans.