This hearty One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for utilizing leftover ham and warming up on a chilly day. The combination of smoky ham, tender potatoes, and creamy white beans creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 ham bone (with some meat attached)
- 8 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large stockpot, place the ham bone and pour in the chicken or turkey stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour to extract flavors from the ham bone.
- Remove the ham bone from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove any remaining meat from the bone, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Discard the bone.
- In the same pot with the broth, add the olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cannellini beans and the chopped ham to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
The History of Soup and Its Evolution
Soup is one of the oldest dishes known to humanity, with origins that date back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Romans, relied on soups and broths as a primary means of sustenance. In its earliest form, soup was simple—often made with grains, water, and whatever vegetables or meat could be gathered. Over time, soups evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, influenced by cultural tastes and available resources.
In modern times, soups like this One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup carry forward the tradition of hearty, comforting meals while embracing the convenience and efficiency of contemporary cooking techniques. The rise of the one-pot cooking method has made dishes like this more popular, allowing home cooks to create rich, flavorful meals with minimal effort.
The Appeal of One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are a category of recipes that have grown immensely in popularity due to their convenience and the ease with which they can be prepared. This is especially true for soups like the One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup, where the ingredients can all be added to a single pot and left to cook together, developing a harmonious blend of flavors.
The beauty of one-pot meals is in their simplicity. Not only do they save time and effort, but they also make cleanup a breeze. Unlike traditional meals where multiple pans, pots, and utensils are required, a one-pot dish typically only requires the initial cooking pot and a few utensils for serving, which reduces the amount of washing up.
For busy families or individuals, the one-pot approach is a game-changer, making it easier to prepare nutritious meals without spending excessive time in the kitchen. It also offers a level of flexibility that allows you to swap out ingredients depending on what you have available, ensuring that the dish remains customizable and practical.
Why Ham is the Star Ingredient
Ham is often the centerpiece of a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to stews, and it plays a starring role in this soup as well. When paired with beans and vegetables, ham adds a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by other meats. The salty, smoky profile of the ham infuses the broth, making it rich and flavorful.
One of the advantages of using ham in this soup is that it’s often an ingredient that many people already have on hand, especially after holidays like Christmas or Easter. Leftover ham can be easily transformed into a hearty soup, which is not only a great way to use leftovers but also ensures that no food goes to waste. The ham in this recipe does not just provide flavor; it also contributes to the soup’s protein content, making it a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger.
The Role of Potatoes in the Soup
Potatoes are a staple in many comforting dishes, and they bring a wonderful texture to the One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup. When cooked in the soup, potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth, making them incredibly tasty and soft. They provide a filling, hearty component that enhances the overall dish.
Potatoes are also a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy that lasts longer than simple sugars. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them an essential part of a balanced diet. In this soup, the potatoes not only add substance but also contribute to the dish’s comforting, rustic nature.
The Power of Beans
Beans are a powerful addition to this soup, bringing both nutrition and heartiness. White beans, such as cannellini beans, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They help to round out the dish by providing texture and substance while also making the soup more filling.
Beans are known for their health benefits, as they are rich in essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, the fiber in beans aids digestion and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. When combined with the other ingredients in the soup, the beans add an extra layer of creaminess and richness, making the dish even more satisfying.
The Importance of Vegetables
The vegetables in the One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup—carrots, onions, and celery—are more than just flavor enhancers; they add essential vitamins and nutrients to the dish. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health, while onions contain compounds that are beneficial for immune function. Celery provides a subtle, refreshing flavor and contains fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Together, these vegetables add layers of flavor and texture to the soup, contributing to its overall balance. They also ensure that the soup isn’t just hearty and comforting, but also packed with nutrients that support overall health.
The Simplicity of the Broth
The broth in this soup is an integral component that ties everything together. The chicken or turkey stock provides a savory base that is rich in flavor and acts as the perfect medium for the ingredients to cook in. By simmering the ham bone in the broth, the flavors of the ham infuse into the liquid, making it even more delicious.
The beauty of the broth lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require complex spices or seasonings to be flavorful; the natural richness of the ham, vegetables, and beans is all that is needed. A touch of garlic powder and dried thyme enhances the broth without overpowering the other flavors, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying base.
Nutritional Benefits of One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. It’s a balanced meal that contains a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The ham provides a source of protein, while the beans and potatoes offer complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly, helping to keep you full for longer.
In addition, the vegetables in the soup provide an array of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. The soup is relatively low in calories, especially if you opt for a lower-sodium broth, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on flavor.
The fiber content in this soup is also worth noting. Fiber is essential for digestive health, and the combination of beans, potatoes, and vegetables ensures that this soup will help keep your digestive system functioning smoothly. The potassium and magnesium in the beans and vegetables also help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, making this soup not only delicious but also beneficial for heart health.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe
The One-Pot Ham, Potato, and Bean Soup is a perfect example of a dish that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Its simplicity makes it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, while its depth of flavor ensures that even the most discerning palates will be satisfied. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or starting fresh, this soup is a great way to create a hearty, wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy.