Calico Ham and Bean Soup
Warm, hearty, and brimming with rustic flavor, Calico Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort meal to satisfy your soul. This wholesome recipe combines a medley of colorful dried beans, tender bites of diced ham, and a fragrant blend of sautéed vegetables, all simmered together in a savory chicken broth infused with bay leaf and thyme. Perfect for brisk evenings, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to its protein-packed beans and fresh, hearty ingredients. With just 20 minutes of prep and a slow, simmering cook time that melds the flavors beautifully, this dish is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of brightness. Whether you're meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this Calico Ham and Bean Soup is a warm embrace in every bowl. Keywords: hearty soup recipe, ham and bean soup, comfort food, dried beans, easy winter dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Dried mixed beans (assorted colors and types)
- 2 cups Cooked ham, diced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium Carrot, diced
- 2 Celery stalks, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried beans thoroughly, then place them in a large bowl. Cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight (8-12 hours). Alternatively, use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, and set them aside.
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, drained beans, and diced ham to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for about 1.5-2 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
472 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.1 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2115 mg | 92% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.0 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.9 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.7 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 125 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1627 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
