Easy Smoked Ham and Black Bean Soup

Soup is a great way to use leftover ham. A couple weeks ago, I smoked a ham for dinner and froze the remainder. There was just enough for a hearty ham and egg weekend breakfast and this rich, smoky-flavored soup with black beans. If you don’t have leftover ham, simply buy a small one (preferably smoked) and make the soup with that.

Leftover Smoked Ham

Sometimes you can get away with opening a can of good-quality black beans to use in a recipe, but try to avoid it this time. Since the beans are one of only two stars in the show, let them be at their best. The preparation is easy—just allow for the parboiling/soaking stage and then everything is ready to cook together in the same pot. Simple, great-tasting, and very nutritious. What’s better?

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry black beans
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups cubed smoked ham
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and let boil 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let soak 1 hour. Pour the beans into a colander and drain. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain again.

Soaked Black Beans

1. Rinse the same pot, heat over medium heat, and add the oil. Add the garlic, carrots, onion, and bell pepper and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.

Vegetables Ready for the Soup

Softened Vegetables

1. Add the drained beans and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Beans and Vegetables Ready to Cook

1. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer slowly 1 hour. (Set the pot lid slightly ajar if the soup continues to boil when covered.)

Soup Beginning to Cook

1. Add the ham and continue simmering another 30 minutes, until the beans are tender.

Cubed Ham 

Ham Added to the Soup

1. Add the chopped sage and cook an additional 5 minutes.

Cooked Ham and Black Bean Soup

Divide the soup among 4 bowls and serve with hot sauce at the table, if desired.