Black Bean Ham Jalapeños

When the cold sets in and the days grow short, few things warm the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Black Bean and Ham Soup with Jalapeños. This hearty American classic brings together smoky diced ham, tender black beans, and the bold heat of fresh jalapeños, all simmered low and slow in a rich, savory broth. Fragrant with cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, every spoonful delivers layers of comfort and warmth that are perfectly suited for chilly winter evenings. Ready in under two hours and easy enough for any home cook, this gluten-friendly soup is destined to become a cold-weather staple at your table.

Pin It

What makes this soup truly special is the harmony of its ingredients. The mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms a sweet, aromatic backbone, while minced garlic and diced red bell pepper add brightness and depth. The black beans—whether home-cooked or from a can—soak up all those smoky, spiced flavors as the soup simmers uncovered for 45 minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. A squeeze of fresh lime at the table and a scattering of chopped cilantro lift the whole bowl, cutting through the richness and bringing every element into sharp, vibrant focus. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or simply on its own, this is soul-satisfying cooking at its finest.

Ingredients

• Meats: 250 g (9 oz) smoked ham, diced
• Legumes: 450 g (2 1/2 cups) cooked black beans (or two 400 g/14 oz cans, drained and rinsed)
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 large onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat); 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Liquids: 1.5 L (6 cups) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• Spices & Herbs: 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; salt and black pepper, to taste
• Finishing Touches: 2 tbsp olive oil; fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Soft, absorbent towels keep counters dry while cooking, wiping spills, and handling dishes during everyday recipe prep.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1 – Build the aromatic base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2 – Add the aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3 – Brown the ham

Add the diced smoked ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes.

Step 4 – Toast the spices

Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Step 5 – Simmer the soup

Add the black beans and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6 – Adjust texture (optional)

Remove the bay leaf. For a thicker texture, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup.

Step 7 – Season

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8 – Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Achte darauf, die Gewürze (Kreuzkümmel, geräuchertes Paprikapulver und Oregano) kurz in der Pfanne anzurösten, bevor du die Flüssigkeit hinzufügst—dieser eine Schritt intensiviert das Aroma erheblich. Lasse die Suppe während des Kochens unbedeckt, damit sie leicht eindickt und die Aromen sich konzentrieren. Wenn du die Suppe partiell pürierst, tupfe den Stabmixer nur kurz hinein, um eine cremige Basis zu erhalten, während einige ganze Bohnen und Gemüsestücke für Textur erhalten bleiben. Für die beste Konsistenz empfiehlt es sich, die Suppe erst kurz vor dem Servieren zu würzen, da der Salzgehalt des Schinkens und der Brühe beim Einkochen zunimmt.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Dieses Rezept lässt sich leicht an verschiedene Vorlieben anpassen. Für eine vegetarische Version lässt du den Schinken einfach weg, verwendest Gemüsebrühe und gibst 1 TL flüssigen Rauch hinzu, um die Tiefe des Aromas zu bewahren. Wer es noch schärfer mag, lässt die Jalapeño-Kerne drin oder fügt 1/4 TL Cayennepfeffer hinzu. Geräucherte Wurst kann den Schinken ersetzen und bringt eine etwas andere, herzhafte Note ins Gericht. Serviere die Suppe wahlweise mit knusprigem Brot zum Dippen oder über gekochtem Reis für eine noch sättigendere Mahlzeit.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Suppe entfaltet ihr volles Potenzial, wenn sie heiß in tiefen Schüsseln serviert wird, gekrönt von einem großzügigen Bündel frisch gehacktem Koriander und einem Spritzer Limettensaft. Reiche knuspriges Brot zum Eintauchen dazu oder löffle die Suppe über gekochten Reis für eine besonders sättigende Hauptmahlzeit. Ein einfacher grüner Salat als Beilage rundet das Menü frisch und leicht ab. Die Suppe schmeckt am nächsten Tag aufgewärmt oft noch intensiver, da die Aromen über Nacht durchziehen können—ideal also auch als Meal-Prep für die ganze Woche.

Pin It

Black Bean and Ham Soup with Jalapeños is more than just a recipe—it is a bowlful of comfort crafted from simple, honest ingredients that come together into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family on a freezing weeknight or preparing a batch to carry you through the week, this soup delivers every single time. Smoky, hearty, a little spicy, and deeply satisfying, it is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your cold-weather rotation. Ladle it up, squeeze on that lime, and let it warm you from the inside out.

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Adding liquid smoke can help replicate a smoky depth.

→ How do I adjust the heat level?

Remove jalapeño seeds for milder spice or leave them in for more kick. You can also add cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ What can I use instead of smoked ham?

Smoked sausage is a great alternative that will add a different but complementary flavor profile.

→ Is it necessary to blend the soup?

No, blending is optional but creates a thicker texture and smoother consistency.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crusty bread or steamed rice work wonderfully to complement the rich, spicy flavors.