Homemade Canned Soup: Cozy Bean and Ham for Winter

There's nothing quite like Homemade Canned Soup to warm you up on a chilly winter day. I remember one snowy afternoon when my son, Jake, and I decided to make a big batch of cozy bean and ham soup together. We laughed as we chopped veggies and stirred the pot, creating memories that warmed our hearts just as much as the soup warmed our bellies.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a hearty meal that fills you up and keeps you cozy.
• You can enjoy it anytime, even in summer, thanks to canning.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover ham and beans.

Pure Comfort

This soup is pure comfort in a jar. The savory ham, tender beans, and vibrant veggies come together for a delightful meal that’s perfect for those cold winter nights. Plus, you’ll feel accomplished knowing you made it yourself.

What You Need

• 1 lb 1 lb ham, diced – Use leftover ham or a ham steak.
• 1 cup 1 cup dried navy beans – Soak overnight for quicker cooking.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with a sweet onion.
• 2 2 carrots, diced – Feel free to use frozen carrots.
• 2 2 stalks celery, diced – Celery adds great flavor; omit if unavailable.
• 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is a healthier option.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – Fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor.
• 1 1 bay leaf – Remove before canning.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust seasoning based on your preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by soaking the dried navy beans overnight. This helps them cook faster and become tender. Rinse them well before using.
2. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.
3. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally for another 5 minutes. You’ll see the veggies soften and brighten in color.
4. Next, toss in the diced ham and soaked beans. Stir everything together, allowing the ham to sizzle and release its savory flavor into the mix.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the soup thickens slightly.
6. Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving. It’s a good idea to taste as you go, ensuring it’s just right for your family.

Make It Perfect

• Always label your jars with the date and contents for easy identification.
• If you’re new to canning, consider watching a video tutorial for visual guidance.
• Make sure to follow proper canning guidelines to ensure safety.

Mix It Up

• Try adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Making Homemade Canned Soup is not only a fun family activity but also a fantastic way to prepare for winter. You’ll have cozy bean and ham soup ready to enjoy whenever the cold weather hits. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get canning!

Homemade Canned Soup Cozy Bean and Ham for Winter

A hearty, comforting bean and ham soup made with diced ham, navy beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in chicken broth with thyme and bay leaf. Perfect for canning and enjoying through the cold winter months.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ham diced use leftover ham or a ham steak
• 1 large yellow onion diced, can substitute with a sweet onion
• 2 carrots diced, frozen carrots can be used
• 2 stalks celery diced, omit if unavailable
• 1 bay leaf remove before canning
• to taste salt and pepper adjust seasoning as preferred

Instructions

 

• Soak dried navy beans overnight and rinse well before use.
• Sauté diced onion in a large pot over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add diced carrots and celery, stir occasionally for 5 minutes until softened.
• Add diced ham and soaked beans, stir to combine and let ham release flavor.
• Pour in chicken broth, add dried thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes until beans are tender and soup thickens slightly.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove bay leaf before serving.

Keyword bean, canning, comfort, Ham, soup, winter