Hearty Ham, Bean, and Kale Soup for Cozy Weeknights

When the chilly nights roll in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Hearty Ham, Bean, and Kale Soup to bring the family together. I remember one evening when my son, Jake, declared this soup his favorite, even over pizza! It’s a perfect ham soup that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s packed with protein from the ham and beans.
• Kale adds a nutritious twist that kids surprisingly love.
• Perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers.
• It’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Pure Comfort

This ham and bean soup is pure comfort food. Each spoonful is filled with tender beans, smoky ham, and vibrant kale, making it a delightful choice for cozy weeknights.

What You Need

• 1 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing; can substitute with avocado oil.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness; can use shallots for a milder flavor.
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances aroma and flavor.
• 1 1 lb cooked ham, diced – Use leftover ham or a store-bought ham steak.
• 4 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 2 2 cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed – Canned or homemade; great source of fiber.
• 2 2 cups kale, chopped – Feel free to use spinach if kale isn’t available.
• 1 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds earthy flavor.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, can be made a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma of the onion will fill your kitchen, making it feel cozy.
2. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be lightly golden.
3. Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. You want the edges to crisp up a bit for extra flavor.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth should start to bubble softly, releasing a warm, inviting scent.
5. Once simmering, add the cooked white beans and chopped kale. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 10 minutes. The kale will wilt down, adding a beautiful green color to the soup.
6. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavors should come together nicely, creating a comforting and hearty soup.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Make It Perfect

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them.
• Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or celery for more nutrition.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch.

Mix It Up

• Try adding diced potatoes for a heartier texture.
• Substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a cozy touch.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Hearty Ham, Bean, and Kale Soup is a fantastic way to gather the family around the table. With its comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients, it's sure to become a weeknight favorite. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Hearty Ham Bean and Kale Soup for Cozy Weeknights

A warm, comforting soup packed with protein-rich ham and beans and nutritious kale. Perfect for cozy evenings, meal prep, and easy leftovers, this one-pot dish combines smoky flavors with fresh herbs and simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 tablespoon olive oil For saute9ing; can substitute with avocado oil.
• 1 large yellow onion diced; adds sweetness; can use shallots for a milder flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic minced; enhances aroma and flavor.
• 1 lb cooked ham diced; use leftover ham or a store-bought ham steak.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 2 cups cooked white beans drained and rinsed; canned or homemade; great source of fiber.
• 2 cups kale chopped; can substitute spinach.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme adds earthy flavor.
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as preferred.

Equipment

• Large pot

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the diced onion and saute9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, avoiding burning.
4. Add the diced ham and cook for about 5 minutes to brown slightly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the cooked white beans and chopped kale to the pot, stir, and cook for 10 minutes.
7. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper; taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.