Ham Black Bean Lime Cilantro (Printable)

Smoky ham and tender black beans combined with lime and fresh cilantro create a flavorful, comforting dish.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 large green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 large carrot, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
17 - Salt to taste

→ Finishing & Garnish

18 - Juice of 2 limes, plus lime wedges for serving
19 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot, and jalapeño. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced ham to the pot and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Mix in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release spice aromas.
05 - Add 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.
06 - Remove bay leaf. For creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, or transfer 2 cups to a blender, puree, and return to pot.
07 - Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to get cozy with each other.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something that feels special.
  • One pot, minimal chopping, and you end up with something that tastes like you've been cooking all day.
02 -
  • Don't skip the 45-60 minute simmer; rushing it by raising the heat makes the soup taste flat and the flavors never marry properly.
  • Lime juice added at the end tastes infinitely better than lime juice added early, which loses its brightness and turns bitter as it simmers.
03 -
  • If your ham isn't very smoky, add smoked paprika first and taste before deciding you need more; it's easier to add than to take away.
  • Keep those lime wedges and extra cilantro at the table so everyone can control the final brightness and flavor of their own bowl.
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