Bean and ham soup

Bean and ham soup is a hearty, comforting dish typically made with a variety of beans (like navy, great northern, or pinto beans), smoked ham or ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. It is a staple of American home cooking, particularly in the South and Midwest, often associated with using leftover holiday ham.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from the beans, with additional protein from the ham. It provides key nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins, with a typical serving containing around 250-350 calories, depending on the bean-to-ham ratio and added fats.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	20 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	50 mg
Vitamin A	80 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	4 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	3 mg
Folate	60 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a classic example of 'waste-not, want-not' cooking, transforming a leftover ham bone into a nourishing meal. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and ham creates a complete protein profile, making it a particularly satisfying and balanced dish.