A Pot Full of Memories
I love a soup that makes the whole house smell good. This one fills the kitchen with a warm, smoky scent. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She always had a pot of something simmering on the stove.
I still laugh at that. I was so impatient for it to be done. Now I know the waiting is part of the fun. The smell gets better with every minute. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Why This Soup is Special
This soup is more than just food. It is a big, warm hug in a bowl. It uses simple things you might already have. That is why this matters. A good meal does not need to be fancy.
It brings everyone to the table. We share stories and laughs over a steaming bowl. That time together is so important. What is your favorite meal to share with your family?
Let’s Get Cooking
First, you heat the oil in a big pot. Then add your onion and ham. Cook them until the onion looks soft. The sizzle is a happy sound. It means you are starting something wonderful.
Next, add the garlic. It only needs a minute. Then pour in the bone broth and frozen greens. The broth is the secret. It makes the soup rich and good for you.
The Simmering Magic
Once it boils, turn it down to a quiet bubble. Now add the beans and tomatoes. Let it all cook together for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens.
The flavors get to know each other. The collard greens become tender and sweet. *Fun fact*: Simmering soup is one of the oldest ways of cooking. People have been doing it for thousands of years. Isn’t that something?
Your Soup, Your Way
This is why this matters. You are the boss of your soup. You can add more pepper if you like. You can cook the greens a little less if you want them crunchy. Make it just how you like it.
That is the joy of cooking. It is about making something that makes you happy. Do you like to change recipes to make them your own? I would love to hear your ideas.
The Perfect Partner
The recipe says to serve it with cornbread. I think that is a perfect idea. A warm, buttery piece of cornbread is the best friend for this soup. You can dip it right in.
It soaks up all that delicious broth. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. What is your favorite thing to eat with a hearty soup? Is it crackers, bread, or something else?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Chopped, smoked ham | 2 to 3 cups | |
| Onion, diced | 1 large | |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
| Zoup! Good, Really Good® Chicken Bone Broth | 2 (32-ounce) jars | |
| Frozen chopped collard greens | 2 (16-ounce) bags | |
| Navy beans | 2 (15.5-ounce) cans | Drained and rinsed |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 (14.5-ounce) cans | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Pepper | To taste |
My Cozy Ham and Bean Soup Story
This soup always reminds me of rainy afternoons. The kind where you just want a warm blanket. My own grandma taught me this recipe on a day just like that. I still laugh at that. I was so impatient for it to be ready.
The smell of ham and onion cooking is pure comfort. It fills the whole house with a happy feeling. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells everyone that a good meal is coming. This soup is like a big, warm hug in a bowl.
Here is how we make it together.
- Step 1: Grab your biggest, coziest-looking pot. Pour in that olive oil and let it get warm. Now, toss in your chopped onion and that lovely smoked ham. We just want the onion to get soft and shiny. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t rush this step! Let the ham get a few little crispy bits.)
- Step 2: Next, stir in the minced garlic. Oh, that garlic smell is just wonderful. But be careful, it only needs one minute in the pot. If it cooks too long, it can turn bitter. We don’t want that.
- Step 3: Now, pour in the rich chicken bone broth. Add all those frozen collard greens, too. Bring it all to a happy little boil. Then, turn the heat down so it just simmers. I love watching the bubbles.
- Step 4: Time for the beans and tomatoes! Stir them in gently. They make the soup so hearty. Do you like your greens very soft, or with a little bite? Let it cook until it’s just right for you.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Let’s Get Creative With Your Soup!
Once you know the basic recipe, you can play with it. I love to change it up depending on my mood. It’s your soup, so make it your own. Here are a few fun ideas I’ve tried.
- Spicy Kick: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives the soup a warm, tingly feeling.
- Veggie Lover: Skip the ham and use a spoonful of smoked paprika instead. It adds that smoky flavor we all love.
- Italian Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Top your bowl with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. So good!
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Cozy Dinner Setup
This soup is a full meal all by itself. But a few little extras make it extra special. I always think presentation is part of the love.
For sides, you can’t go wrong. A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is classic. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is nice, too. For a fun crunch, I love garlicky croutons on top.
What to drink with it? On a cold night, I enjoy a glass of amber ale. Its malty taste is so nice with the ham. For a non-alcoholic treat, try sparkling apple cider. Its sweet fizz is a perfect match. Which would you choose tonight?
Making Your Soup Last
This soup is a wonderful friend to your freezer. Let it cool completely first. Then pour it into airtight containers. Leave a little space at the top for expansion.
I once put a hot pot straight into the fridge. The lid popped right off! Now I am patient. This soup freezes beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating is simple. Thaw it overnight in your fridge. Warm it gently on the stove. A double batch means a ready-made meal for a busy night.
This matters because a good meal should be a comfort, not a chore. Having soup ready saves time and stress. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles
Is your soup too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off. The extra liquid will cook away. Your soup will become thicker and richer.
I remember when I used old, tough collard greens. They were too chewy. The fix is simple. Just cook the soup for ten more minutes.
Taste your soup at the end. Does it need something? A pinch more salt can make all the flavors pop. This is the most important step.
Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. A well-seasoned soup is a happy soup. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Soup Questions Answered
Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! Just check your bone broth label to be sure.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.
Q: What if I don’t have ham? A: A smoked turkey leg works wonderfully instead.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Use your biggest pot.
Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A dash of hot sauce at the end is lovely. Which tip will you try first?
Share Your Kitchen Success
I hope this soup warms your kitchen and your heart. It is a hug in a bowl. My grandkids always ask for seconds.
Fun fact: Navy beans got their name because they were a staple food for the US Navy in the 1900s! I love a bit of food history.
I would be so delighted to see your creation. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! It makes my day to see your photos.
Happy cooking!
—Tessa Hammond.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: Crispy, golden, cheesy perfection.
Description
Cozy up with a bowl of our hearty ham and bean soup! This easy, comforting recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large stock pot or dutch oven of medium-high heat. Add the onion and ham and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the broth and collard greens, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the beans and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the collards are cooked to your desired tenderness. Serve with piping hot cornbread.
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