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    Home » Soups & Stews

    Published: Feb 13, 2018 · Modified: Nov 9, 2021 by Pam

    Black Bean Soup with Ham

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    pin of black bean soup with ham

    Black Bean Ham Soup is a great way to use leftover ham, but the meat can be left out for a delicious vegetarian version.

    bowl of black bean soup with ham

    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.

    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.

    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.

    three bowls of black bean and ham soup

    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.

    bowl of bean soup with ham and sour cream on top
    black bean and ham soup with garnishes on top

    Black Bean Soup with Ham

    Pam
    Black Bean Ham Soup is a great way to use leftover ham, but the meat can be left out for a delicious vegetarian version.
    4.83 from 29 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 296 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
    • ¾ cup onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic chopped
    • 1.5-2 cups ham diced (leave out for vegetarian version)
    • 1 lime zested and juiced
    • 3 cans black beans (15 oz.)
    • 2 cups chicken stock use vegetable stock for vegetarian version
    • 1 can tomatoes and chili peppers Rotel brand is our favorite (10 ounce)
    • 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

    Substitute vegetable stock or broth for the chicken broth and leave out ham for a vegetarian version. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 21gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 1328mgPotassium: 910mgFiber: 16gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Soup and salad are a classic combination and this Salad with Marinated Asparagus and Oranges goes wonderfully with this Black Bean Soup.

    More soup recipes you’ll love

    • bowl of chicken vegetable soup with ladle
      Chicken Vegetable Soup
    • vegetable soup in white cup
      Southern Style Vegetable Beef Soup
    • Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan
      Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
    • cheesy poblano pepper soup with cilantro & tortilla strips on top
      Cheesy Poblano Pepper Soup
    • Chilled Peach Cucumber Soup
    • Gumbo with seafood, sausage and chicken from our family recipe.
      Chicken & Seafood Gumbo

    See y’all next time!

    Categories: Mexican-Inspired Tags: appetizers, main dish, soups & salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

      February 13, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      All those garnishes sold me on this. Ha! It looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        February 13, 2018 at 12:12 pm

        Thanks, Allison!

        Reply
    2. Deepika says

      February 13, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      Such an amazing comfort food. It looks so tempting.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        February 13, 2018 at 12:40 pm

        Ah, thanks Deepika.

        Reply
    3. [email protected] says

      February 13, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so warm & Comforting! I always have black beans on hand so I need to give this a try as a vegetarian version. So Yum!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        February 13, 2018 at 12:59 pm

        I’m sure you’re going to love it. Thanks, Stephanie!

        Reply
    4. Beth says

      February 13, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      I just made a split pea soup with leftover ham, but I wish I had seen this before! This sounds like it’s right up my alley!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        February 13, 2018 at 1:18 pm

        Save it for next time. Thanks, Beth!

        Reply
    5. Emily says

      February 13, 2018 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      This looks packed full of so much flavour, love comfort food dishes like this!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        February 13, 2018 at 1:49 pm

        Thanks, Emily!

        Reply
    6. Rosie says

      April 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      I found this while looking for a simple recipe to use up leftover Easter ham that didn’t call for a ton of ingredients. The only change I made was just using a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of Rotel since that’s what we had. OMG the soup turned out delicious!!! We served it with cheddar cheese on top and fresh cornbread on the side and my husband and I practically licked the bowls clean. I’m already plotting when I can make a ham again just to be able to have this soup.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        April 14, 2020 at 2:31 pm

        Thank you so much, Rosie! We love it too.

        Reply
    7. Katy Baker Johnston says

      December 21, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with this recipe! I had to stop myself from eating the whole pot. I subbed fire roasted Rotel and chili lime Cholula for the hot sauce. This is my new go-to for weekly lunches. Hearty and comforting but not too heavy. Added a dollop of low-fat sour cream,, diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheddar… *chef’s kiss* SUPERB! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        December 22, 2020 at 1:17 pm

        Thank you so much for letting us know Katy!

        Reply
        • Katy Baker Johnston says

          December 27, 2020 at 10:17 am

          Do you think I could freeze this for a week? I made so much and we’ll be away for a few days. I don’t want it to spoil in the fridge!

          Reply
          • Pam says

            December 29, 2020 at 10:46 am

            I’ve never tested it Katy, but I think it would be fine.

            Reply
    8. Sophie L K says

      March 21, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      Easy to make and so full of flavour!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        March 22, 2021 at 9:28 am

        Thanks so much for letting us know you love it!

        Reply
    9. Anjali says

      January 16, 2022 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a hearty and delicious recipe!! The perfect Sunday dinner for our family!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 17, 2022 at 11:31 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    10. Kristen says

      January 16, 2022 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved this recipe! Everyone went back for seconds. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 17, 2022 at 11:30 am

        Thank you for stopping by to comment Kristen!

        Reply
    11. Irina says

      January 16, 2022 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      I haven’t visited your blog for a while and “was going” to miss this soup recipe! WOW! I made it for our lunch today: it was yummy and delicious! BTW, your new logo is beautiful!!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 17, 2022 at 11:30 am

        Awww… thank you so much for your kind words, Irina!

        Reply
    12. Sara says

      January 16, 2022 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious soup and so easy to make. We will definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 17, 2022 at 11:29 am

        Yay! Thanks for stopping by to let us know. It means so much to us when readers take the time.

        Reply
    13. veenaazmanov says

      January 16, 2022 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like a nutritious and power packed meal. The addition of Ham sounds delicious.

      Reply
    14. JENNIFER says

      February 18, 2023 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      I make this with NO alterations to the recipe and it’s absolutely fantastic!

      Reply

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