Save This Ham and Butter Bean Soup with Fresh Herbs is a hearty and soulful Southern-style soup. Featuring tender butter beans and smoky ham, it's a comforting, flavorful meal that brings warmth to any table.
Save Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup relies on simple ingredients and slow-simmered flavors to create a deeply satisfying dish. Whether you use dried beans for tradition or canned for convenience, the result is equally delicious.
Ingredients
- Meats: 1 lb (450 g) smoked ham hock or diced ham
- Legumes: 2 cups (340 g) dried butter beans (or 3 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups (480 ml) water
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish); 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Salt, to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce and crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse before use.
- Step 2
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Step 3
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the ham hock or diced ham, soaked butter beans (or canned, if using), chicken broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
- Step 5
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour (45 minutes if using canned beans), stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors are melded.
- Step 6
- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot (discard the bone and any excess fat). Discard bay leaves.
- Step 7
- Stir in parsley and chives. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Pair with crusty bread.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a creamier soup, mash some of the beans with a spoon before serving. This releases natural starches to thicken the broth without adding dairy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute smoked turkey leg for ham for a lighter version. For extra nutrition, add chopped collard greens or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serviervorschläge
Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and a dash of hot sauce. This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, sweet iced tea, or a side of crusty bread.
Save This traditional Southern dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a perfect balance of savory protein and tender legumes.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can dried butter beans be substituted with canned ones?
Yes, canned butter beans can be used for convenience. Simmer for 45 minutes instead of 1 hour for tender results.
- → What can replace ham for a lighter option?
Smoked turkey leg works well as a lighter alternative, imparting a similar smoky depth to the dish.
- → How do fresh herbs influence the soup's flavor?
Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme add bright, fragrant notes that enhance the richness of the beans and ham.
- → Is it possible to make the soup creamier?
Mashing some of the beans before serving adds natural creaminess without extra dairy or thickening agents.
- → What sides pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread complements the hearty texture, while a crisp white wine or sweet iced tea balances the smoky, savory flavors.