Ham Black Bean Lime Cilantro

Warm your soul with a bowl of this vibrant Ham and Black Bean Soup, a dish that brings the sunny flavors of Cuba straight to your table. Perfectly smoky, hearty, and brightened with a splash of fresh lime, this soup is a masterclass in balancing rich, savory notes with a zesty finish. Whether you're using up leftover holiday ham or simply craving a protein-packed meal, this easy-to-make recipe is a comforting choice for any day of the week.

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This soup relies on a solid foundation of aromatic vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and celery—sautéed until tender to release their sweetness. By adding tomato paste and spices early in the process, you create a rich base that infuses the black beans and diced ham with complex layers of flavor during the long simmer. The result is a thick, rustic soup that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked ham, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Juice of 2 limes (plus lime wedges, for serving)
• 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped

Transfer liquids, oils, and dry ingredients cleanly into bottles and jars while cooking or baking.

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Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot (if using), and jalapeño (if using) for 6-8 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ham and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Mix in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 5

Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or transfer 2 cups to a blender, puree, and return to the pot (optional).

Step 7

Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve a truly smoky depth of flavor, try adding a leftover ham bone or a smoked ham hock to the pot while the soup simmers; just be sure to remove it before serving. If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency, let the soup simmer for the full 60 minutes or use the immersion blender technique to thicken the base with the beans' natural starches.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is easily adaptable for different diets. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham entirely and swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable stock. If you enjoy a bit more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a generous dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the final minutes of cooking.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop, or spoon it over a bed of fluffy white rice for a traditional Cuban presentation. A side of fried plantains adds a lovely sweetness that complements the smoky ham, while a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado can provide a cool, creamy contrast to the zesty lime and cilantro.

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Whether shared with family on a chilly evening or enjoyed as a quick weekday lunch, this Ham and Black Bean Soup is a flavorful testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. Its combination of smoky, earthy, and bright notes ensures every spoonful is as delicious as the last.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ham and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian and full of flavor.

→ How can I add heat to this dish?

Include minced jalapeño in the sauté or finish with hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.

→ What is the best way to achieve a creamy texture?

Use an immersion blender to puree part of the mixture or blend a portion in a regular blender, then stir it back in.

→ How long should I simmer the soup for best flavor?

Simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and beans to soften fully.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges enhance brightness and provide a fresh contrast to the smoky, hearty base.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ensure all ingredients like broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free to maintain suitability.