Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with cured ham (often a leftover ham bone or ham hocks) and white beans, typically simmered with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It is a classic staple in American home cooking, particularly popular in the South and Midwest, with roots in European peasant traditions that emphasized using every part of the animal.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is a well-balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein from the ham and beans, complex carbohydrates and fiber from the beans, and moderate fat. A typical 1.5-cup serving offers a substantial amount of iron, potassium, and B vitamins, with a calorie range of approximately 250-350 calories, depending on the cut of ham and added ingredients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	7 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin A	45 mcg RAE
Calcium	80 mg
Magnesium	55 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Folate	90 mcg DFE

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a prime example of 'nose-to-tail' and zero-waste cooking, transforming a leftover bone into a nourishing new meal. Nutritionally, the combination of ham and beans creates a complete protein profile, making it a particularly satisfying and economical source of plant-and-animal-based nutrition.