Recipe For Ham and Pinto Bean Soup​

When you’re feeling for homey, stick-to-your-ribs type of food, a glassful of Recipe For Ham and Pinto Bean Soup​ is the best answer. This soup has pinto beans, delicious ham, and lots of seasonings, combining to make a rich and hearty soup that will not only fill your family’s belly but also warm them right up. It’s perfect for those days when you’re just craving something hearty and tasty.

Simple is beautiful in this recipe for ham and pinto bean soup. And not only does this taste great, but it’s also a high-protein and fiber food you can make in minutes with minimal ingredients. The ham lends a salty, smoky flavor, while the pinto beans soften and break down to give the soup its luxurious body.

Whether you want something quick and enjoyable for a weeknight dinner or a texture pattern to save you from food-boredom at a family meal, this ham, pinto bean soup is it! Simple to make and it’s even better the next day, so this is a dish that will soon become part of your regular repertoire.

Why You Should Try This Ham and Pinto Bean Soup Recipe

If you love soups that taste good and are good for you, give this ham and pinto bean soup a try. Pinto beans boast lots of fiber and protein, and when combined with ham, they yield a rich blend that’s perfect for chilly weather. It’s a full-bodied soup, and it’s also substantial enough to serve as a meal, hearty enough that I recommend treating it as one. And this soup is budget-friendly, so it’s an excellent choice for families who want a healthy meal on the cheap.

What You’ll Need to Make Ham and Pinto Bean Soup

To make this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:

• Seasonings: To season the soup, you will need thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and salt. These are just a guide, so they can be adjusted to taste.
• Ham: You can use leftover ham from a roast, or purchase pre-cooked packaged ham. The ham adds a savory note to the soup and makes sure it’s satisfying.
• Pinto Beans – Pinto beans are a soft, creamy bean when cooked, and they have to be a part of this soup. They suck up the taste of the broth and seasonings, so each bite is mind-blowing.
• Vegetables: This soup has a base made of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to create an aromatic, flavorful profile.
• Broth or Stock: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or stock is what I use with this recipe; it gives the beans and ham moisture and flavor.

How to Make Ham and Pinto Bean Soup – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this recipe for ham and pinto bean soup is simple and doesn’t take much time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this hearty meal:

• To Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaves from the soup, then serve hot. Finish with fresh herbs or a squirt of lemon juice as an optional garnish, just before serving.
• Soak the Pinto Beans (if using dried): If using dried pinto beans, they’ll need to be soaked for a good long while; at least overnight, but preferably for 6 hours. And this will help them cook faster and more evenly.
• Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, add some oil and toss your onions, carrots, and celery into the pot to cook until they are soft and tender and starting to have a little golden action. Stir in minced garlic and cook one more minute.
• Add the Ham and Stock: Add in those cubed ham pieces to the pot, as well as your soaked pinto beans and either chicken broth or vegetable stock. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
• Simmer, Season and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. Add thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Variations You Can Try With This Ham and Pinto Bean Soup

While the basic ham and pinto bean soup is already amazing, you can always experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Add Greens: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Creamier Texture: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup once the beans are soft, then return it to the pot. This will thicken the soup and give it a smoother consistency.

These small tweaks can take your ham and pinto bean soup to the next level, allowing you to personalize it to your liking.

Tips for the Best Ham and Pinto Bean Soup Every Time

To ensure your ham and pinto bean soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Cook’s Tips: Use Up Leftover Ham: If you have lots of leftover ham from a whole winter holiday dinner or a roast, this is great to make. The smoky, savory quality of the ham will add depth to the soup.
• Do Not Rush the Simmer: Give the soup time to simmer, slowly, so that it develops its flavor as much as possible. The longer you let it go, the more intense and flavorful your soup will be.
• Make It Ahead: The flavors of soup, like most similar dishes, benefit from some time to meld; this will taste even better the next day. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

By following these tips, you can make sure your ham and pinto bean soup is always a hit at the dinner table.

Recipe For Ham and Pinto Bean Soup​ From DishBloom!

Ham and Pinto Bean Soup

This Ham and Pinto Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory ham with creamy pinto beans and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a comforting, easy-to-make soup that’s both nutritious and filling. Whether you’re using leftover ham or starting fresh, this recipe offers a warm, satisfying meal for family dinners or weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener (if using canned beans)
• Ladle for serving

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked ham cubed (or leftover ham)
• 1 ½ cups dried pinto beans or 2 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tsp black pepper or to taste
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
• Optional:
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale for added greens
• 1-2 jalapeños for heat, if desired

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Pinto Beans (if using dried): Soak the pinto beans overnight or for at least 6 hours to reduce cooking time. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.
• Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the Ham and Liquid: Stir in the cubed ham, followed by the soaked pinto beans (or canned beans), and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours (or until the beans are soft). If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 30-45 minutes. Add the thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
• Optional Greens: About 15 minutes before the soup is done, stir in chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Finish and Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Notes

• Leftover Ham: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals or a roast. The ham adds a rich, smoky flavor that’s essential to the soup.
• Dried vs. Canned Beans: If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight for the best results. Canned beans can be used for a quicker version, reducing cook time by almost half.
• Make Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process.
• Customize It: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or corn for variety.
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Keyword comforting soups, easy soup recipes, ham and bean soup, leftover ham soup, pinto bean soup recipe, recipe for ham and pinto bean soup

Share Your Twist!

One of the best parts about making a ham and pinto bean soup is the freedom to get creative with the ingredients and flavors. Here are some ideas for putting your own twist on this comforting dish:

1. Add Smokiness: Add a bit of smoked sausage or smoked paprika for even more smoky flavor. It adds a rich, deep flavor to the soup that complements the ham and beans so perfectly.
2. Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, chop some jalapeños or drizzle a dash of hot sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for more spice.
3. Cheese Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle the soup with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving. Let it melt in with the soup for some creamy, cheesy fun.
4. Get Your Greens: Add a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for an extra nutrient punch. The greens will wilt right into the soup, providing a pretty hit of colour and bright freshness!
5. Herb Infusion: If you prefer to add one of the fresh herb options (like rosemary, parsley, or cilantro), Herbed Rice Egg Drop Soup. How to Enhance the Flavors? For a fragrant finale, scatter fresh herbs over the soup right before serving.
6. Creamy Version: To make the soup creamier, puree some of the cooked soup and return it to the pot. This will thicken up the soup and give it a nice velvety finish.
7. Sweetness Touch: Include small cubes of sweet potatoes or a splash of honey to offset the preceding savory taste with a touch of sweetness.

No matter how you customize it, the ham and pinto bean soup will still be a warm and filling favorite. Share your twist with friends and family and let them experience your version of this delicious dish!