Looking for an easy green bean ham and potato soup recipe? This delicious soup is perfect for using up leftover ham and works wonderfully with store-bought options too! It’s loaded with healthy vegetables and protein, making it a great choice for a cozy fall meal. The classic flavors of sweet potatoes and green beans will warm you up on chilly days.
Today, I want to share this simple green bean and ham soup recipe with you. I’ll list the ingredients, show you how to cook it, and provide some handy tips. This soup is not only filling but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your autumn menu.
For more soup recipes, be sure to check out these: creamy cauliflower soup without cream, creamy chicken lemon rice soup, roasted garlic tomato soup, and creamy garlic soup.
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Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious ham, green bean, and potato soup:
- Diced Ham: You can use leftover ham or your favorite variety for great flavor.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans are preferable for the best texture; avoid frozen or canned if possible.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: These will serve as the flavorful base for your soup.
- Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube them for added sweetness and nutrition.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low sodium is best since ham can be quite salty, depending on the brand.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Add to taste for the perfect seasoning.
- Butter: Use this to sauté your onion and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
How to Make Green Bean Ham and Potato Soup:
Making a hearty green bean, ham, and potato soup is simpler than you might think! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Here's how:
Cook the Onions and Potatoes.
In a large pot, heat some butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 6 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
Stir In Other Ingredients.
Stir in the diced ham, thyme, green beans, and bay leaf.
Simmer the Soup.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Tips:
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and satisfying ham, green bean, and potato soup!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh green beans and sweet potatoes. If you can, choose high-quality ham to enhance the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Since ham can vary in saltiness, start with less salt and adjust to taste. It’s easier to add salt than to fix an overly salty soup.
- Cook Time: Make sure to cook the potatoes until they’re tender, but not mushy. Check them after about 10 minutes of simmering.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs! Adding a sprinkle of parsley or a dash of smoked paprika can give the soup a unique twist.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the sweet potato cubes against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
Storage:
Here's how to store leftover green bean ham and potato soup:
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make the soup watery.
- Choose the Right Container: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3 to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the soup longer, freeze it! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label the containers with the date for easy reference.
How to Reheat Leftovers:
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick after reheating.
For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
📖 Recipe
Green Bean Ham and Potato Soup
Equipment
- a large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 12 oz ham, (cut into small bite pieces)
- 12 oz diced sweet potatoes, (½-inch thickness) peeled
- 10 oz diced yellow onion
- 5 oz chopped green beans, (about 1 cup)
- 1 garlic clove, (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large Thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and black pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 6 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced ham, thyme, green beans, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Just before serving, remove the thyme and bay leaf.
Rika says
This soup is so delicious and can be easily made with leftover ham!