A Hearty Southern Ham and Bean Soup Made with Pantry Staples
Ham and Bean Soup is a timeless Southern comfort food that turns simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. Tender lima beans, savory ham, sweet corn, and crispy bacon come together in a flavorful broth that’s thickened into a hearty soup perfect for cool evenings or family dinners. It’s an excellent way to use leftover ham while creating a filling one-pot meal.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this classic recipe reflects the Southern tradition of stretching everyday ingredients into nourishing dishes that bring comfort and flavor to the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry lima beans
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups ham (cooked and cubed)
- 1 cup corn (cooked)
- 3 slices bacon
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
- Remove the bacon, crumble it, and reserve both the bacon and the drippings.
- Rinse and drain the lima beans.
- Place the beans in a large heavy pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
- Add the chopped onion, cubed ham, cooked corn, and the crumbled bacon.
- Continue simmering for about 1 hour.
- In a small skillet, combine the reserved bacon drippings with the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in 1-1/2 cups water to create a smooth gravy.
- Stir the gravy into the soup and simmer for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Serves: 4–6
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A hearty one-pot soup featuring tender lima beans and savory ham.
- Bacon drippings add rich, traditional Southern flavor.
- Perfect for using leftover holiday ham.
- Serve with cornbread, crackers, or biscuits for a comforting family meal.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
