Cold Busting Black Bean N Ham Soup

Posted by on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Black-Bean-Soup

This is one of my original creations which evolved over the years, mainly because I never wrote it down.  I’ve had several requests from the family to make this soup lately.  So after making a huge pot yesterday while it snowed, and having 5 teens and 2 tweens here all day,  I have finally documented the process- for all our sakes.

This soup is incredibly tasty and nutritious. The country ham pieces infuse the soup, sealing in the flavors of the garlic, onions, celery, and spices. It makes an over generous portion, which freezes well, and can be reheated later. Black Bean N Ham Soup can be served along side your favorite cornbread.  The ham can be omitted for a vegetarian meal.  This soup can also be served with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and corn chips for variation.

No matter how you serve it, Black Bean N Ham Soup is a COLD BUSTER, guaranteed to warm and comfort on a bitter cold winter’s day!

  • Finely chop the following by hand or in a food processor:
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 2 large carrot sticks or 1cup of mini carrots
  • 1 sweet yellow onion
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 red or green bell pepper

Pour ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil into a large skillet.  Add chopped veggies and sauté over medium heat 2-3 minutes.  Set aside.

  • 6 cans black beans, rinsed and drained and halved
  • 2 cans chicken broth (about 8-10 cups)

In a blender or food processor, puree HALF of the black beans with 1 can of chicken broth.  Transfer the puree to a large Dutch oven or soup pot.  Add the remaining black beans and the other can of chicken broth. Then add the following canned items and stir to blend:

  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (I used mild)

Then add the following spices to the pot:

  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon Cumin
  • 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Next add:

  • 1 cup chopped country ham pieces

Then add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Bring soup to a low boil over medium heat stirring frequently.  Then reduce soup to a simmer for 30-40 minutes – stirring frequently.

Add 1-2 cups cooked white rice to the soup the last 5 minutes of simmering time.  More chicken broth or water can be added if you prefer more liquid.  The salt in the country ham pieces provided adequate flavor – but salt can be added to suit your on preference.  Enjoy!

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Cold Busting Black Bean N Ham Soup

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Filed in Soups and Salads | 8 responses so far

8 Responses to “Cold Busting Black Bean N Ham Soup”

  1. Tracyon 21 Jan 2010 at 7:48 pm 1

    Tara, HOMERUN! I cannot wait to make this! Thanks!!

  2. LeAnnon 24 Jan 2010 at 6:36 pm 2

    And the best part is that I have nearly all these ingredients already! I’m making this soon, thanks Tara!

  3. Ashleighon 28 Jan 2010 at 12:48 pm 3

    Hey Tara,

    I’ve got a pot of this one the stove right now. I substituted Canadian Bacon for the country ham just for a slightly healtier option. Right now, it looks really thin. I’ve got 8 cups of broth in there. Will it thicken some or will it stay runny? Thanks!

  4. Taraon 28 Jan 2010 at 1:08 pm 4

    Hi Ashleigh

    I bet the Canadian Bacon will taste fantastic in the soup. The longer you cook the soup and let it bubble – the thicker it will become. Just keep it stirred so it doesn’t scorch. It will also thicken a little when the cooked rice is added. We all have different preferences regarding thick/thin soups. I like mine with more liquid so I can crumble the cornbread in the bowl :) Great forecast for soup tonight!

  5. Lisa @ Lisa's Dinnertime Dishon 29 Nov 2011 at 2:59 pm 5

    I love black bean soup and this one sounds fantastic! It’s a great hearty meal on a cold evening!

  6. Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfulson 29 Nov 2011 at 3:40 pm 6

    Looks like a really good soup! I love black bean soup and the flavors here look just perfect :)

  7. Taraon 29 Nov 2011 at 3:44 pm 7

    The men folk around here sure like this one Lisa. I think anything with ham or bacon makes them happy.

  8. Taraon 29 Nov 2011 at 3:44 pm 8

    Thanks Ann. The ham pieces make the men around here very happy!