Low-Carb Ham Bone and Bean Soup Recipe

This low-carb ham bone bean soup is a richly flavored, hearty dish and a perfect way to use a leftover ham bone.

Once you try this recipe you’ll want to save every ham bone. The prep is quick, then the soup simmers slowly, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It makes a large batch that reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a real treat.

Fresh vegetables and the ham

Fresh vegetables add color, texture, and depth to this soup. I use diced green and red bell peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic. The green-and-red pepper combination is attractive, but any color pepper will work. I started with a meaty ham bone refrigerated after cooking a large ham; you can also freeze a ham bone to use later. Simmer the bone until the meat is tender and falling off. If you include some rind or fat, strain and discard those before serving. From my ham bone I removed about 1 cup of chopped meat and added an additional 3 cups of ham to reach the total called for.

Which beans are used?

If you avoid beans because of carbs, black soybeans are a great low-carb alternative. They have significantly fewer carbs than many other beans—about 5 net grams per ½ cup for the brand I used. Their texture and taste are similar to higher-carb beans, and my family couldn’t tell the difference. If you prefer not to use soybeans, substitute cauliflower florets, riced cauliflower, or green beans for a similar bulk and texture.

Serving suggestions

This soup is filling enough to be a complete meal. For low-carb accompaniments, serve with keto biscuits, cornbread alternatives, low-carb crackers, or quick keto English muffins. A simple green salad, coleslaw, or a low-carb vegetable makes a nice side. For a multi-course meal, offer a few low-carb appetizers, serve the soup as the main course, and finish with a light sugar-free dessert.

Dessert ideas

Light, low-carb desserts pair well after this hearty bowl. Consider fresh berries with lemon whipped cream, a no-bake chocolate espresso cheesecake, a chocolate peanut butter mousse, or a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.

Helpful hints

* Aim for about 4 cups total chopped ham, combining meat removed from the ham bone with additional diced ham.

* If you skip black soybeans, add cauliflower florets or riced cauliflower, or use green beans as an alternative.

Main kitchen equipment and utensils

• Large stockpot
• Measuring cups

A little encouragement

Blessed are those who keep justice, and those who always do what is right. — Psalm 106:3

Low Carb Ham Bone Bean Soup

Yield:
12 Servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
2 hours

Total Time:
2 hours 20 minutes

This low-carb ham bone bean soup is flavorful, hearty, and ideal for turning a leftover ham bone into a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 medium red pepper, diced
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups chopped ham
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black soybeans
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté peppers and onions in butter 5–7 minutes until they begin to soften. Add garlic during the last minute.
2. Add the ham bone, chicken broth, water, cumin, turmeric, oregano, and paprika.
3. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1½ hours. Remove the ham bone, chop the meat from it, discard the bone, and return the chopped meat to the pot.
4. Add additional chopped ham so you have about 4 cups total, then stir in the black soybeans and heavy cream.
5. Simmer 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Sprinkle xanthan gum evenly over the soup and whisk to combine. Simmer 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 277
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 1139mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Net Carbohydrates: 6.5g
Fiber: 4.5g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 15g

Nutrition values are estimates provided as a courtesy and may vary based on ingredients and brands used. Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber.

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