If you have a ton of leftover ham after Christmas or Easter dinner (or any dinner for that matter!), make this ham and white bean soup!
Sunday I shared a delicious quesadilla recipe, filled with leftover ham chunks, jalapeno and green onions! Head over there if you want to see a picture of the ham that inspired that recipe. Today, we are going a different route and turning that leftover ham into a yummy soup.
Making soup is one of the easiest methods to use up leftovers in general. A little broth, a vegetable or two and some meat and spices and you have a complete recipe. You can make it as simple or as exotic as you want – its up to you!
That’s probably why I’m a huge fan of soup, especially when its made out of leftovers. It’s really hard to mess it up and was one of the first areas I felt comfortable creating recipes.
Ham and White Bean Soup
The flavorings of this soup are similar to Cuban-style ham and bean soups – in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere out there these flavors are already mixed up together, simmering in some soup pot right now.
What makes my soup different is the mashed up beans to thicken it. Instead of using cornstarch or flour, you just need a fork and a few extra beans so you can mash them up and add them to the soup.
Feel free to garnish with some cheese if you want – maybe queso fresco or shredded mozarella? Or go the same route as me and top with some fresh cilantro leaves!
Ham and White Bean Soup
If you have a ton of leftover ham after Christmas or Easter dinner (or any dinner for that matter!), make this ham and white bean soup!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 15 ounce cans small white beans, rinsed and drained (set 1 cup white beans aside)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ham, onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Increase heat to medium-high, stirring frequently and saute until onions are translucent.
- Add the chicken broth, cumin, adobo seasoning, oregano and black pepper. Stir and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium low.
- Using a fork, mash the set aside cup of beans. Then add all of the beans (mashed and not mashed) to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 269Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 551mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 24g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be correct.
Laura @MotherWouldKnow
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Love white bean soup! Although we don't have a Christmas ham, I am sure I can scrounge some up for this lovely version.
Jenny B
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Lol, Laura, thank you for bringing to my attention that Easter (or any ham!) was missing in there. I updated it and must have forgotten to save.
Chris @ Celebrations At Home
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Mmm, this is perfect for winter. I can't wait to make it!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
Saturday 27th of December 2014
Well you know I am big soup fan...love this great way of using up leftovers! Pinning...can't wait to give it a try!
Jenny B
Monday 29th of December 2014
Thanks Michelle - soup is perfect for leftovers :)
Olla
Tuesday 23rd of December 2014
Hello jenny, I nominated you for the sisterhood of world blogger award. Here http://tandullce.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-sisterhood-of-world-blogger-award.html?m=1
You have a great blog
Jenny B
Wednesday 24th of December 2014
Thanks Olla! I will take a look at the nomination! :)