Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe (2024)

Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe is made with white beans, leftover ham, garnished with tomaotes and a dab of sour cream.

Friends, take holiday leftover ham (fresh or frozen), to make this Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe!

Soup after the holidays is the best! And I like to take any leftover meat and toss it in the freezer for soup in the following months.

Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe

All you need are these ingredients:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Broth
• Creat Northern Beans
• Cooked ham
• Diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper

When I think about my Grandma Friesen, I think about a big pot of her red German beans with bacon (and brown sugar) simmering on the stove. My mom made a different version of beans, with white beans and ham.

How do you make White Bean Soup

Today I’m sharing my shortened version: Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe.

1. In large pot, place garlic, onion, celery, carrot sand seasonings. Add enough broth to cover the vegetables (start with 6 cups and add more as needed). Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender!
2. Add Great Northern Beans, cooked ham, tomatoes and salt to taste. Check seasoning flavor and add more thyme, black pepper or salt, if needed. Simmer and cook!
3. Garnish with sour cream and fresh tomatoes! SO good!

Grandma Friesen, a life of inspiration

But first, my grandma lived in a tiny house before tiny houses were a thing. Her apartment had very little furniture, and was always immaculate and clean. Yes, Grandma lived simply, but not without hospitality, good food, and a whole lot of love. I’m sure if someone would ask Grandma today, how are you? her answer would not be like most of us: I’m so busy.

Like many folks in her generation, she lived through hard times – she lost her mother when she was 18, 2 siblings at a young age, and then later 2 of her own children in early adulthood. Plus my Grandpa George, and lots of siblings and loved ones!Grandma had virtues that I continue to strive for in my life, as an example of inspiration.

So in her kitchen (my Dad took this shot of her cooking bacon – YAY bacon!), Grandma’s hospitality was not to impress, but it was full of extravagant love (and tasty Mennonite recipes). She was either whipping up a pot of beans, fried chicken, homemade tapioca pudding, or a delicious upside down cake.

Later in life, in my 20’s, I had the pleasure of picking Grandma up once a week and driving her to appointments, the bank, and the grocery store. It was our special time together; she always wanted to know how I was, wanting to know the details of my life.

I remember having a selfish 20-year-old attitude of … I have to go get Grandma today, but then I’d come away so refreshed and happy, because my Grandma made me happy and was so sweet. My heart was grateful heart that I chiseled time out of my not-so-busy schedule to spend part of the day with her.

How do you make Great Northern Bean soup?

No need to wait for dry beans to soak.

Open 2 cans of Great Northern Beans!

You get great homemade soup in about an hour!

Or, you may also love my BESTBaked Potato Cheddar Ham Soup recipe!

Comfort winter dish

My Grandma’s recipe, she would cook the beans all day long, but this Great Northern Bean Ham Soup Recipe is super easy using a few cans of Great Northern Beans!

It’s delicious made with leftover ham (or ham hock)–a pure comfort, winter dish – for sure!

ENJOY!

Also try these soup recipes:

Chicken Curry Crock Pot Lentil Soup

Smoked Tomato Bacon Soup

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Broccoli Chicken Rice Soup

Pantry Vegetable Beef Soup

15 Bean Soup