Warm up with our Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup – a simple, hearty dish that brings comfort to your table in no time. Tender ham, flavorful white beans, and savory broth come together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, making it a delicious solution for a quick and satisfying meal. Get ready to savor the simplicity and richness of this classic soup!
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Why You’ll Love Ham And Bean Soup
- Savory Goodness: Enjoy the extra flavor of pre-cooked ham for a satisfying meal.
- Easy Peasy Cooking: Toss the ingredients into the Instant Pot for a simple and hassle-free cooking experience.
- Warming Comfort: Creamy white beans and flavorful spices create a hearty and comforting soup perfect for any day.
Recipe Ingredients
You don't need a lot to make this delicious dish. Here is what you need:
- Pre-cooked Diced Ham: Adds a savory and smoky flavor, providing a hearty protein base for the soup.
- Great Northern Beans: Bring a creamy texture and mild taste, offering a good source of fiber and protein. You can also use dried navy beans.
- Water: Serves as the liquid base for the soup, ensuring the beans cook to perfection.
- Garlic: Infuses a robust, aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and mild heat, contributing to the soup's depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness, providing a warm kick to the soup.
- Cumin: Imparts a warm and earthy essence, complementing the other spices.
- White Onion (diced): Offers a sweet and savory flavor, adding aromatic complexity to the soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Enhances the soup's depth with a savory and aromatic liquid base.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season the soup, balancing flavors and enhancing taste.
How To Make Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup?
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making your ham and bean soup.
Step One: Cut onion and saute in the Instant Pot. Add The washed dried beans.
Step Two: Add the precooked ham. Then pour the vegetable broth and water into the Instant Pot.
Step Three: Add the garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, cumin, and bay leaves. Close the lid and pressure cook for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Step Four: Naturally release the pressure for 25 minutes then quickly release the remaining pressure. Remove the bay leaf. Serve in a large soup pot with cornbread.
Expert Tips For Nailing Ham And Bean Soup
- If you have pre-soaked beans, only cook on high pressure for 40 minutes then quick release. Do not do a natural pressure release.
- To make your soup a little thinner, you can add ½ cup to 1 cup more water. If you would like your soup a little thicker, take out ½ cup of water.
- Season gradually and taste as you go; you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
- Store: Leftover Ham and Bean Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage: freeze it. Just pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags; it can last up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove or in the microwave for 2-5 minutes.
Variations
Here are the best variations for preparing this instant pot ham and bean soup:
- Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Toss in extra Vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Include a can of diced Tomatoes for a hint of acidity and richness.
- Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated cheese for a gooey, indulgent finish.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
- Add cooked barley or Quinoa for a heartier, grain-infused soup.
What To Serve With Ham And Bean Soup?
Ham and bean soup is delicious on it's own however you may want to enjoy this Southern soup with one of the following sides.
- Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
- Easy Garlic Rice With Cilantro
- Homemade Bread
- Garlic Monkey Bread
- Hawaiian Bread Rolls
- Parmesan Bread Sticks
FAQ'S
How To Improve Bland Bean Soup?
To enhance a bland bean soup, consider adding aromatic herbs such as rosemary or thyme and spices like cumin or paprika. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can add a refreshing tanginess to balance the flavors.
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead Of Dried Ones?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans, but add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and shorten pressure cooking time to just 10 minutes.
How Do I Make The Soup Thicker?
Mash a portion of the beans or use an immersion blender for a thicker consistency.
Can I Make This Soup In Advance?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen when made ahead. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Any Vegetarian Alternatives For The Ham?
Cube or crumble tempeh and sauté it with olive oil for a protein-rich, ham-like texture.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead Of Ham?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water in your Ham and Bean soup. It will add more flavor to the soup.
Can I Use Ham Hock Or Ham Bone To Make This Hearty Soup?
Yes, you can definitely use ham hock cubed ham or a ham bone (if any available) to make Ham and Bean Soup.The meat on the ham hocks or bone will also become tender and add a delightful texture to your soup. Just remember to remove the bone or hock before serving.
Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup
This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. Packed with tender beans, flavorful ham, and simple seasonings, this soup comes together quickly in the Instant Pot for a warm, comforting bowl that's perfect for chilly days or an easy weeknight dinner. You'll love how easy and delicious it is!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ham Pre-cooked
- 2 cups Great Northern White Beans Dried
- 2 ⅓ cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Garlic Minced
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 ½ cups Onion
- 1 Box Vegetable Broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Cut onion and place it into the instant pot. You can sauté the onions if you like, but this is optional. Add in washed beans and precooked cut ham.
- Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add in garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, cumin, and bay leaves. Give it a good stir. Lock lid and place valve in the sealed position.
- Set to high pressure for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Once the instant pot stops counting let it naturally release for 25 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
- Serve with cornbread. See notes if you have pre-soaked beans.
Notes
If you have pre-soaked beans, only cook on high pressure for 40 minutes then quick release. Do not do a natural pressure release.
We think this soup consistency comes out just perfect! However, some people may prefer a thicker soup or thinner soup.
To make your soup a little thinner, you can add ½ cup to 1 cup more water. If you would like your soup a little thicker, take out ½ cup of water.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 17gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 2008mgPotassium: 507mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 730IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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I am looking for a printable version of your recipes but can't find one. Also, the "jump to recipe" button does not work in my computer browser. Am I missing something?
My husband and I love spice, but this recipe had way to much cayenne pepper
i guess different people have different preferences. Maybe try using half the amount next time and adapt it to your liking. Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Great flavor and I enjoyed it.
Great flavor and enjoyed it. Only problem I saw was number of servings. Since y wife does not enjoy soups I cut the ingredients in half and came out with 4 servings instead of 6. Otherwise I will make this again.