Cajun Ham and Sausage Bean Soup

Step 1

Start by soaking your beans overnight. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time. Rinse the beans well and place them in a large bowl of water, ensuring they’re fully submerged.

Step 2

In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until tender and aromatic—about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Pour in 8–9 cups of water and add the ham bone, diced ham, and soaked beans. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 5

Let the soup simmer covered for 3 to 3 ½ hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the beans cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6

After simmering, add the sliced sausage to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to let the sausage infuse its smoky, savory flavor into the soup.

Step 7

Remove the ham bone from the pot. Make sure to pick off any remaining meat, adding it back into the soup. Discard the bay leaves.

Step 8

Your Cajun Ham and Sausage Bean Soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and serve it hot.