lima bean ham soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best lima bean ham soup recipe

I am so excited to share with you my family’s favorite lima bean ham soup recipe. This hearty and comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The dish originated from my grandmother’s old-fashioned cookbook, where it was passed down through generations.

The recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender lima beans, juicy ham, and rich vegetable broth is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. One of the key techniques to achieving the perfect texture is using the right type of ham – I recommend using a boneless ham hock or a leaner cut of ham.

This will give the soup a rich flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. When cooked correctly, the lima beans should be tender but still retain some bite, while the ham should be fall-apart tender. To achieve this, make sure to soak the lima beans overnight and then cook them slowly with the ham and vegetables until they’re tender.

This will also help to bring out the natural sweetness of the lima beans, which pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the ham. I like to serve this soup with some crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal. My kids love helping me prepare this soup because it’s easy to make and fun to eat – they can’t get enough of that creamy lima bean goodness!

As an added bonus, this soup is also incredibly nutritious, packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the lima beans, making it a great option for a healthy dinner option.

Lima Bean Ham Soup

Lima Bean Ham Soup

4.6 from 938 votes

This comforting lima bean ham soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly day. It combines tender lima beans with savory ham, vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups dried lima beans
6 cups water
1 lb ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped spinach

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the lima beans and pick over for any debris.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 30 minutes.
6Add the ham bone or diced ham to the pot.
7In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
8Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
9Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
11Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the lima beans and ham.
12Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
13Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
14Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lima beans are tender.
15Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
16Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
17Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use canned lima beans to reduce cooking time. For a smoky flavor, use a ham hock instead of a ham bone. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Watch Video Of How Lima Bean Ham Soup Works

This lima bean ham soup recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s easy to make, deliciously flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something hearty for your family gatherings, this recipe delivers every time.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as is or add some crusty bread or over rice for extra sustenance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lima Bean Ham Soup

Q: What type of ham is best for this recipe?

A: You can use either a boneless ham hock or a leaner cut of ham for this recipe. The key is to choose a type that’s not too salty or overpowering, as you want the other flavors in the soup to shine through.

Q: Can I use frozen lima beans instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use frozen lima beans if you prefer – just thaw them according to package instructions before adding them to the soup.

Q: How long does this soup take to cook?

A: This soup takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook, depending on how quickly your lima beans soak up liquid.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker – simply brown the onions and garlic in a pan before adding everything else to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

A: To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer – then reheat as needed.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts