Sourthern Hearty Lima Bean & Ham Soup
Creamy Butter Beans and Smoky Ham in a Warming, Flavorful Bowl
A staple in Southern and soul food traditions, this Hearty Lima Bean & Ham Soup blends creamy beans with rich, smoky ham for a comforting, cold-weather dish. Whether thick or brothy, it’s a timeless favorite for family meals and gatherings.
Hearty Lima Bean & Ham Soup – Easy, Comforting Southern Lima Bean Soup Recipe
DifficultyMedium
Servings6
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time1 hour15 minutes
Total time1 hour30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups dried lima beans, (rinsed and soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (preferably from the bone for more flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Finish (Optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the soaked lima beans and diced ham to the pot, stirring well.
- Season with salt and pepper, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until the lima beans are tender.
- 2
Make It Creamy (Optional):
- If you’d like a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half about 5 minutes before serving. Let it heat through and stir until combined.
- 3
Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife for chopping vegetables
- Spoon for stirring
- Ladle for serving
Recipe Notes & Variations:
Substitutions:
- Ham: You can use leftover holiday ham or even a ham bone for extra flavor. If you don’t have ham, try bacon or smoked sausage for a different twist.
- Beans: If you don’t have dried lima beans, you can use frozen lima beans or canned beans (drained and rinsed) for a quicker version.
- Creaminess: For a dairy-free option, leave out the cream and blend a portion of the beans with the soup to make it creamy.
Pro Tips:
- Soaking Beans: Soaking the lima beans overnight or using the quick-soak method (boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour) helps reduce cooking time.
- Ham Stock: If using a ham bone, simmer it in the broth for added richness before adding the beans.
- Let it Simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will become. You can also make this in a slow cooker for an even easier dinner.
FAQs:
Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
- Yes, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.
Can I freeze leftover lima bean soup? - Yes, store cooled soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when ready to eat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little more broth or water to thin the soup if necessary.
Nutrition
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
Lima beans, often referred to as butter beans, have been a staple in many Southern and soul food recipes for generations. Hearty Lima Bean & Ham Soup combines these creamy beans with the smoky richness of ham, creating a deliciously comforting dish perfect for colder months. This classic southern lima bean soup has evolved over time, with each family adding their own flair to the recipe. Some prefer a thicker, creamier texture, while others opt for a lighter, brothier version. No matter how it’s made, it’s always a beloved dish for family meals and gatherings.
The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe
The key to this soup is balancing the flavors of the ham and lima beans. The beans, once tender, absorb the rich flavors of the broth, while the ham imparts a savory, smoky depth. The optional cream adds a silky texture, transforming this into a creamy lima bean soup that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
This soup is a favorite family soup recipe, often passed down through generations. The use of dried lima beans makes it an affordable, filling dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or stretching your grocery budget. It’s also a winter lima bean soup that provides warmth and comfort, making it an ideal dish for chilly days. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop or using the slow cooker for an easier approach, it’s a recipe that brings people together.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
- Lima Beans: The soft, buttery texture of the beans creates the heart of this soup.
- Ham: The savory, smoky flavor from the ham adds depth to the broth.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions bring freshness and balance.
- Broth: A flavorful chicken broth base ties all the ingredients together, creating a rich and hearty soup.
What Occasions It’s Good For
- Winter Comfort Food: Perfect for warming up on a cold day.
- Family Soup Recipe: A great option for busy families looking for a filling and nutritious meal.
- Slow Cooker Lima Bean Soup: Ideal for preparing in the morning and coming home to a delicious dinner.
- Hearty Bean Soup: A substantial meal on its own, or great paired with cornbread or crusty bread.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
Hearty Lima Bean & Ham Soup is the perfect recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions. It’s an easy-to-make, easy lima bean soup that offers rich flavors and creamy texture. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable: you can make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, depending on your schedule. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a crowd, this soup will warm everyone up from the inside out.
