People say that chicken soup can heal anything, but I think ham and bean soup is better. It’s become a real go-to when we’re feeling under the weather. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel warm, cared for, and cozy with every bite.
No matter if they are sick or not, your family will love this healthy meal made with few ingredients and canned beans that don’t need to be soaked.
Oh yes you CAN get a full-flavored, thick and creamy bean soup using canned beans. Tell the others!
Ham and bean soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly weather. This satisfying soup is typically made with cured ham, beans, vegetables, and broth. But the secret to taking your ham and bean soup from basic to spectacular is all in the spices and seasonings you use. The right blend of herbs and spices can transform this humble soup into a mouthwatering meal bursting with flavor.
So what are the best spices to use for homemade ham and bean soup? Here’s an overview of the top spice options along with tips on how much to add and when to incorporate them into your soup.
Commonly Used Spices in Ham and Bean Soup
These are some of the most popular spices used to add tons of flavor to ham and bean soup recipes:
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Bay Leaves – Bay leaves are a must for bean soups. Add 2-3 leaves while simmering then remove before serving.
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Thyme – A ham and bean soup staple. Use 1-2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried.
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Rosemary – Adds a distinctive aroma Use 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped or 1/2 tsp dried
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Oregano – Pairs nicely with beans. Add 1-2 teaspoons dried oregano.
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Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor Use 1-2 teaspoons
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Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best. Season to taste.
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Garlic Powder – Use instead of fresh garlic for convenience. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
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Onion Powder – Provides onion flavor without the texture. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
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Celery Seed – Brings out flavor of celery. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
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Mustard Powder – Adds tangy flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon.
Less Common But Tasty Spice Options
Looking to shake up your standard ham and bean soup? Try one of these less common spices for a unique flavor twist:
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Curry Powder – Use 1 teaspoon for a touch of curry flavor.
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Cumin – Earthy flavor, nice in smoky ham soup. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
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Cloves – Sweet aroma, strong flavor. Use sparingly, 1/4 teaspoon.
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Allspice – Provides warmth. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice.
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Cinnamon – Surprisingly nice addition. Add just a pinch.
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Nutmeg – Warm, slightly sweet. Also just a pinch.
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Coriander – Fresh and lemony. 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander.
When to Add Spices to Ham and Bean Soup
Proper timing is key when seasoning ham and bean soup. Here are some tips on when to add the spices:
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Aromatics – Onion, garlic, celery – sauté early with the vegetables.
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Dried herbs – Oregano, thyme, rosemary – add early and let simmer.
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Bay leaves – Add early and simmer 20-30 minutes then remove.
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Smoked paprika – Nice added once vegetables are sautéed.
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Spice blends – Curry powder, garam masala – sauté to bloom flavor.
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Ground spices – Cumin, cloves, allspice – add once soup is simmering.
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Delicate spices – Nutmeg, cinnamon – add late just before serving.
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Pepper – Season to taste at the very end before serving.
Follow this simple guide on when to add the spices, then adjust to your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Sample Spice Blends for Flavorful Ham and Bean Soup
Here are a few tasty ham and bean soup spice blend ideas to get you started:
Traditional: Bay leaves, dried thyme, black pepper
Herb-Infused: Bay leaves, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder
Smokey & Spicy: Bay leaves, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne
Italian-Style: Bay leaves, basil, oregano, garlic powder, pepper
Cajun-Inspired: Bay leaves, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic
Southwestern: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic
Quick Tips for the Best Flavored Ham and Bean Soup
Follow these simple tips for maximum flavor in your homemade ham and bean soup:
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Use a flavorful ham bone, ham hocks, or ham steak for the richest flavor.
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Sauté vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions before adding broth.
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Add plenty of aromatics – garlic, onion, celery, carrots.
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Use chicken or ham stock instead of plain water for richer broth.
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Simmer soup at least 1-2 hours so flavors develop fully.
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Season beans while cooking instead of just salt at the end.
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Add most spices early so flavors mingle and deepen.
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Finish soup with delicate spices like nutmeg just before serving.
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
Sample Ham and Bean Soup Spice Blend Recipes
Here are a couple flavorful ham and bean soup spice blend recipes to get your creativity flowing:
Herb-Infused Ham and Bean Soup
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Simmer bay leaves in soup 20 minutes then remove. Add remaining herbs once soup is simmering. Stir and cook 1 hour for flavors to develop.
Southwest Ham and Bean Soup
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Simmer bay leaves 20 minutes. Add remaining spices to cooked vegetables before broth. Simmer 1-2 hours for deep flavor infusion.
Spice It Up!
Ham and bean soup offers the perfect canvas to add the spices and herbs you love best. Follow these tips on the most popular spice options, when to add them, and how to blend them for custom flavor combinations. From bay leaves and black pepper to curry powder and cayenne, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new spice blends in your ham and bean soup. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasonings until each spoonful is packed with the flavor you crave.
Can I Make Ham and Bean Soup Without a Bone?
Of course! If you have a ham bone, shank, or hock lying around from the holidays or any other time, you can add it to the soup to simmer. But a diced ham steak will add TONS of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Transfer leftover Ham and Bean soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe | Ham and Bean Soup
FAQ
What to add to bland bean soup?
How do you fix bland ham soup?
How to thicken ham and bean soup?
Why is my ham and bean soup so salty?
What spices are used in Ham and bean soup?
The ham and bean soup dish is a fantastic weeknight meal that is quick and filling. The following spices can be added to your soup: Onion – Gives the soup a delicate sweetness and a deep umami flavor. Garlic – This gives the soup a rich, nutty flavor that contributes to its popularity.
What vegetables can you add to Ham & bean soup?
Below is a quick list of veggies you can add to your ham and bean soup: Carrots – When the beans are about to get tender, or in the last half hour, add the carrots. In this manner, the carrots will be cooked without becoming mushy. Celery – It brings crunch to the soup.
How do you make ham bone bean soup?
Soaking the beans a little before making ham bone bean soup ensures a soft, tender bean. In the same Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, three to five minutes. Stir in the softened beans, water, carrot, bay leaves, thyme and pepper. Add the ham hocks, and bring everything to a boil.
What do you need to make Ham & bean soup?
These are the simple ingredients you’ll need for this top-rated ham and bean soup recipe: Water: This hearty soup starts with eight cups of water. Beans: If you can’t find dry great northern beans, you can use any white bean you have on hand. Vegetables: You’ll need carrots, an onion, and celery.