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Great Northern Bean and Christmas Ham Soup — Complete Guide

Introduction

Great Northern Bean and Christmas Ham Soup is a cozy, rustic dish traditionally made after holiday celebrations. It transforms leftover ham into a deeply flavorful broth combined with creamy white beans, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a bowl that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.

Origin

The dish is rooted in North American and European traditions where no holiday ham goes to waste. Families often simmer leftover ham bones with beans to create a simple but nourishing soup. This practice emerged as a way to honor food abundance while being resourceful.

Cultural Significance

In many households, this soup represents post-holiday comfort. Prepared in the days following Christmas, it symbolizes togetherness, practicality, and gratitude. The aroma of simmering beans and ham evokes memories of family gatherings and winter celebrations.

Ingredients (with Quantities)

Main Ingredients

• Cooked Christmas ham, diced: 2 cups
• Ham bone (optional, for extra flavor): 1
• Great Northern beans (dry): 2 cups, rinsed and soaked overnight
• Carrots, chopped: 2
• Celery stalks, chopped: 2
• Onion, diced: 1 medium
• Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
• Chicken or ham broth: 6–7 cups
• Olive oil or butter: 1 tbsp
• Bay leaf: 1
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Potatoes, diced: 1 cup
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• A splash of cream for richness
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Corn kernels for sweetness

Optional Additions

• Extra diced ham for a more robust flavor
• Kale or spinach added during the last minutes of cooking
• A squeeze of lemon for brightness
• Croutons or crusty bread on top
• Parmesan rind simmered with the soup for depth

Tips for Success

• Use the ham bone if available—it enriches the broth.
• Slow simmering makes the beans tender and creamy.
• If using canned beans, reduce cook time and add them later.
• Adjust salt carefully; ham naturally adds saltiness.
• Mash some beans into the broth for added thickness.

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics:
   Heat oil or butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute.
2. Add beans and broth:
   Add soaked Great Northern beans, broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
3. Add ham and bone:
   Stir in diced ham and the ham bone if using.
4. Simmer:
   Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
5. Adjust thickness:
   If you want a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them in.
6. Add optional ingredients:
   Add potatoes or greens in the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
7. Season and serve:
   Remove the ham bone, adjust salt and pepper, and serve hot with fresh parsley.

Description

This soup is hearty and aromatic, filled with creamy white beans and juicy pieces of Christmas ham. The broth is savory and slightly smoky, enriched by vegetables and herbs. Each bowl offers comforting warmth and satisfying texture—perfect for cold winter days.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 320–410
• Protein: ~25 g
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
• Fat: ~10–15 g
• Fiber: ~8–10 g
• High in: protein, potassium, and iron

(Values vary depending on optional additions and portion size.)

Conclusion

Great Northern Bean and Christmas Ham Soup is a wonderful way to transform leftovers into a nourishing, aromatic meal. It celebrates tradition, reduces food waste, and brings comfort after festive occasions. Every spoonful reflects homestyle cooking at its best.

Recommendation

Use dry beans for the richest texture and flavor. If you want a lighter version, skip the cream and add more vegetables. For extra smokiness, simmer a small piece of smoked ham hock with the broth.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

This soup is a perfect example of comfort food that remains nutritious and balanced. The beans provide plant-based fiber and protein, while the ham adds savory depth. It’s filling yet wholesome, making it easy to enjoy indulgence without compromising well-being. Warm, hearty, and nourishing—it’s the ideal winter companion.

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