When you’re looking for something hearty and comforting, Cajun Ham Soup is a great choice. This recipe is packed with flavor and warmth, perfect for chilly days. It’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!
Helps clear leftover ham and sausage, stretches groceries on a tight budget, offers a hearty weeknight meal, and stores well for future lunches or dinners.
I often find myself with leftover ham, wondering how to turn it into something special. This recipe helps me tackle that challenge while using pantry staples I already have on hand. No need for fancy ingredients here!
What’s great about this soup is how simple it is. You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping, then let it cook for around four hours. The long simmering time really lets the flavors develop, giving you a smoky and savory dish that’s filling.
If you love soups that really hit the spot, you’ll want to try this Chicken Orzo Salad for something light on the side.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Smoky Flavor : The ham bone adds a deep, smoky taste to the soup, making each bowl feel cozy and hearty. You’ll love how satisfying it is.
- Easy and Convenient : This soup uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up without any fuss. Perfect for when you’re short on time or ingredients.
- Customizable Spice Level : You can adjust the heat by changing up the spices. Whether you like it mellow or spicy, this soup can fit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers : It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham. Just toss it in and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both comforting and resourceful.
Cajun Ham and Sausage Bean Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty Cajun ham soup with a blend of spices and rich flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package of 15-bean soup mix, soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8–9 cups water
- 1 meaty ham bone (plus 1 cup of diced ham)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Kick
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 3–4 andouille sausage links
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Start the Soup Base: Begin by sautéing diced onions, bell peppers, and diced celery in a large pot with vegetable or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté until the veggies soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. It is important not to let the vegetables brown too much.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and your Cajun seasoning (Creole Kick) along with the Italian seasoning until fragrant. You will smell an incredible mix of spices wafting through the air.
- Pour in Broth: Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth or water, stirring it together with the sautéed veggies. The mixture should have a rich and inviting color. Make sure not to add too much salt at this stage.
- Add Ham and Beans: Toss in your diced ham, soaked beans, and the meaty ham bone, letting them mingle in the pot. The soup should begin to look hearty and comforting.
- Simmer It All Down: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer and cover. Let it bubble gently for a few hours, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and keep an eye on it, adding water if it looks too thick.
- Check for Seasoning: After a few hours of simmering, taste your soup to check the seasoning. Adjust to your liking, being cautious with the broth’s saltiness.
- Serve It Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while it is piping hot. To accompany, gluten-free bread can be a nice touch.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: Soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook evenly. If beans remain hard after cooking, soaking overnight and adjusting cooking time may be necessary. For too watery soup, allow it to simmer uncovered to reduce liquid. Adjusting seasoning can tailor the flavor to suit preference. If lacking a ham bone, smoked ham hocks or additional diced ham work well.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread, offer buttermilk biscuits on the side, or accompany with a green salad for freshness.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute smoked chicken instead of ham and sausage, add diced jalapeños for extra heat, or incorporate diced potatoes for added heartiness.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose high-quality broth for the best flavor. If alternatives are needed, a blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder can substitute for Creole seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1568mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Recipe Tips
- If beans aren’t soft after cooking, soaking them overnight can really help. Just be sure to extend the cooking time as needed.
- When the soup turns out too watery, simmering it uncovered lets excess liquid evaporate and thickens the soup nicely.
- If you find the soup bland, a splash of flavorful stock will add depth without overloading on salty ingredients.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, adjusting Cajun seasoning can tailor the spice level to match everyone’s preference.
- If you lack a ham bone, smoked ham hocks or extra diced ham work perfectly well to enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cajun ham soup with cornbread for a classic pairing. Offer buttermilk biscuits or accompany with a fresh green salad for variety.
This soup fits well in a variety of dishes, such as a hearty stew or as a filling in tacos. Consider using it as a base for casseroles or combined with rice for a complete meal.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for an extra kick. Fresh herbs such as parsley can enhance the presentation and flavor of the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use smoked chicken instead of ham and sausage for a delightful twist in this soup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor in addition to the original seasonings.
- Either diced tomatoes or corn can enhance the overall texture and taste, giving it a unique flair.
- If scaling the recipe, multiply all ingredients by 1.5 to make enough soup for 12 servings.
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How to Store?
To keep your cajun ham soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors intact.
Freezing: Place portions in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Enjoy warm, with your choice of sides.
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