Description
A comforting and hearty Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe that combines tender ham, white beans, and fresh vegetables with savory seasonings. This quick and easy soup is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, cooked under pressure in just 5 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 carrots, chopped (~1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 (15.5 oz) cans white beans (Great Northern or Navy), drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1½ tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” function and allow it to heat up, then add the cooking oil and heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook while stirring occasionally until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Ham and Garlic: Stir in the chopped cooked ham and minced garlic and sauté together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, drained white beans, soy sauce, white wine vinegar, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and add the bay leaf.
- Pressure Cook: Press “cancel” to stop sautéing. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully turn the valve to venting to quick release the pressure.
- Open and Finish: Open the pot once pressure is fully released, remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm, ideal with cornbread or corn muffins.
Notes
- You can substitute navy beans or cannellini beans if Great Northern are unavailable.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Ensure ham is fully cooked before adding.
- For a thicker soup, mash some beans before pressure cooking or use less broth.
- Leftovers store well and flavors deepen overnight.
