Best 4 Sheilas Bean Ham Soup Recipes

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with Sheila's Bean and Ham Soup, a hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul on chilly days. This classic soup is a symphony of flavors, featuring tender beans, savory ham, and a rich, flavorful broth. Join us as we explore the depths of this comforting soup, uncovering its secrets and variations.

In Sheila's original recipe, Great Northern beans take center stage, simmering until perfectly tender in a savory broth enriched with ham hocks. The ham infuses the soup with a smoky, salty essence, while vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion add a layer of sweetness and depth. For a touch of herbal complexity, thyme and bay leaves release their aromatic oils into the broth.

But this culinary adventure doesn't stop there. As we delve deeper into the article, you'll discover a treasure trove of variations, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe. One variation introduces the smoky allure of bacon, while another brings forth the tangy brightness of tomatoes. For those seeking a creamy indulgence, a version with a velvety roux awaits, creating a luscious, spoon-coating broth. And for those with dietary restrictions, a vegetarian rendition, brimming with vegetables and beans, offers a satisfying and flavorful alternative.

From the original recipe's comforting simplicity to the exciting variations that expand its horizons, Sheila's Bean and Ham Soup promises a culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on this delightful journey through the world of hearty and flavorful soups.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

HAM AND BEAN SOUP

Ham and Bean Soup image

This is easily the best Ham and Bean Soup we've ever had! It's a simple, adaptable recipe, perfect with chunks of crusty bread.

Provided by Kaitlin

Categories Soup

Time 5h20m

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil ((olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.))
1 1/2 cups onions ((diced, about 1 medium onion))
4 large garlic cloves ((chopped))
2 cups celery ((diced, about 5 ribs of celery))
2 1/2 cups carrots ((diced, about 6 medium carrots))
5 15 oz. cans assorted beans
9 cups water
2 large bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste ((adjust to avoid over-salting if using powdered bouillon))
14 ounces ham ((roughly shredded or diced; or 2 large smoked ham hocks))
1/2 cup fresh parsley ((chopped))
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke ((optional, to taste: not needed if using smoked ham hocks))

Steps:

Heat a Dutch oven (you can also use a thick-bottomed soup pot, but may need to stir more often to prevent burning) over medium heat for about 3 minutes or so, until it's nice and hot. Add the oil and the onions. Cook until the onions begin to turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the chopped celery and carrots, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Add the beans, followed by the water. Increase the heat to high.
Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper, paprika, and chicken bouillon paste. (If you don't have chicken bouillon paste, simply use chicken stock in place of the water.) Bring to a boil.
Stir in the ham. I like to cut it into big shards/shreds for extra texture. (Sarah likes hers cubed and orderly though. I won't judge either way!) If you're using a ham hock instead of ham, you can add it in now.
Reduce the heat to medium-low so the soup is at a somewhat energetic simmer--it should always be at a low bubble. Cook for 4-5 hours, stirring periodically. If the soup isn't cooking down, you may want to increase the heat to medium. Every stove is different, so don't just set it and forget it. Periodically check liquid levels.
In the last hour of cooking, add the fresh parsley, and cook for another hour. It's done when the beans and carrots are tender, and the soup is thickened. If you used a ham hock, fish out any bones, and chop up any large pieces of meat and skin (keeping the skin is optional) that don't break down during the cooking process before serving.
This soup is quite forgiving. If it ends up too salty for your tastes, just add water, and lightly mash some of the beans to release their starchiness and re-thicken the soup. If you are reheating the soup and there is not enough liquid, just add 1-2 cups of water to bring it back to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 906 mg, Fiber 12 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE BEST BEAN AND HAM SOUP

The Best Bean and Ham Soup image

I make this hearty soup using the ham bone from our Easter spiral ham. I serve it with corn muffins and fresh fruit. It makes a huge pot of soup, so invite some friends or just freeze several portions for later use. Remember to soak the beans the night before you make the soup.

Provided by BenevolentEmpress

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Pork Soup Recipes Ham Soup

Time 10h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 (20 ounce) package 15 bean mixture, soaked overnight
1 ham bone
2 ½ cups cubed ham
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
5 large carrots, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 (12 fluid ounce) can low-sodium vegetable juice
3 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons lemon juice
7 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

Place the soaked beans into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low for 30 minutes. Drain. Add the ham bone, ham, onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes, vegetable juice, and vegetable broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, bay leaves, pepper, parsley and lemon juice. Pour in enough of the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 hours. Add more chicken broth as needed throughout the day. Remove the ham bone and season with salt if needed. Continue to simmer for a couple more hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259.7 calories, Carbohydrate 37.9 g, Cholesterol 13.9 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 14.8 g, Protein 17.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 1105.3 mg, Sugar 6.5 g

BASIC HAM AND BEAN SOUP

Basic Ham and Bean Soup image

Hearty ham and bean soup. Easy to make and a great way to use a leftover ham bone. This soup also has lots of mixed vegetables.

Provided by J. A. McConville

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Beans and Peas

Time 3h

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound dry great Northern beans
8 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 ham hock
1 cup chopped carrots
½ stalk celery, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 bay leaves
2 cups chopped ham
½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Steps:

Rinse the beans, sorting out any broken or discolored ones. In a large pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt and the beans and remove from heat. Let beans sit in the hot water for at least 60 minutes.
After the 60 minutes of soaking, return the pot to high heat and place the ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard and bay leaves in the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 60 more minutes.
Remove ham bone and discard. Stir in the chopped ham and simmer for 30 more minutes. Season with ground white pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 8 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 18.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 771.4 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

HAM AND BEAN SOUP WITH COLLARD GREENS

Ham and Bean Soup With Collard Greens image

If you happen to have a ham bone leftover from a roasted ham, cover it with water and simmer it with an onion and a bay leaf to make the stock for this rich, meaty soup. But if not, chicken stock works well, too.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories soups and stews, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or bacon fat
1/2 pound diced cooked ham (about 2 cups)
2 large white onions, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups ham stock or chicken stock
4 1/2 cups (2 14½-ounce cans) cooked pinto, red kidney or pink beans
1 large bunch collard greens, leaves only, thinly sliced (8 cups)
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Hot sauce (optional)
Sour cream or whole milk Greek yogurt (optional)

Steps:

In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil or bacon fat. Add ham and cook until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer ham to a bowl.
Raise heat to medium-high and add remaining 2 tablespoons oil or fat to the pan. Add onion, celery, jalapeño peppers, bell pepper, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper; cook until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. (Add a little water, if necessary, to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.) Stir in garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
Add stock, beans, collard greens, reserved ham and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, party cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add parsley, vinegar and more salt to taste. Serve topped with hot sauce and sour cream if you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 294, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1051 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

Tips:

Use a variety of beans: This will add flavor and texture to your soup. Some good choices include pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and navy beans.
Soak your beans overnight: This will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
Use a ham bone or ham hock: This will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
Add vegetables: Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion add flavor and nutrition to the soup.
Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers: This will help to soak up the delicious soup.

Conclusion:

Sheila's Bean and Ham Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying soup, give Sheila's Bean and Ham Soup a try.