Spiral Ham and Lima Bean Soup for the Holidays

A comforting soup combines tender spiral ham and creamy lima beans for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for chilly holiday days. It’s easy to make and sure to bring warmth and cheer to your family table.

Cooking Tips You Should Know

Use leftover spiral ham for extra flavor and to save time.
Rinse the lima beans well before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
Simmer the soup gently to keep the ham tender and the flavors well blended.

Ingredients 0/9

1 (16 ounce) package dried lima beans 2 quarts water 1 ham bone with meat 1 large onion, sliced 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Optional) 1 teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon salt

Why This Recipe Is So Good

This soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly holiday days. The spiral ham adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with tender lima beans. It’s a hearty dish that brings a sense of home and tradition to your table.

Step 1

Place the lima beans in a large bowl and covering them with a few inches of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Next, put the ham bone and onion in a big pot with enough water to cover and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the onion softens, which should take about an hour.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked lima beans, then add them to the pot along with the ham bone. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt. Cover again and let everything simmer gently for around 2 hours. After that, take the lid off and keep simmering until the beans are tender, about another 30 minutes.

Step 3

When the beans are ready, fish out the ham bone and cut any meat off it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the meat back into the soup, discard the bone, and give everything a good stir before serving.

114

people cooked this recipe

By Michael Davis

Michael enjoys creating straightforward meals that are easy to prepare at home.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the broth. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and balance. For extra comfort, top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth.