Black Bean Ham Jalapeños (Printable)

Smoky ham and black beans combine with jalapeños for a warming, bold-flavored soup.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 9 oz smoked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 2.5 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 medium jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Liquids

09 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Spices & Herbs

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
17 - Lime wedges for serving

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, jalapeños, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add diced ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes.
04 - Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
05 - Add black beans and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove bay leaf. For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup to desired texture.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect for something this deeply satisfying and warming.
  • The smokiness from the ham does most of the flavor work, so you don't need to fuss with exotic spices.
  • Jalapeños add a gentle kick without stealing the show, making it friendly for people who like their heat subtle.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing your canned beans—it makes a visible difference in how clear and appetizing the broth stays.
  • Low-sodium broth is non-negotiable here because the ham carries its own salt, and oversalting ruins the whole balance faster than you'd think.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables roughly the same size so they cook evenly and the soup looks intentional rather than chaotic.
  • If your ham is particularly salty, you might reduce the final seasoning or use a lower-sodium variety to give yourself room to adjust.
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