Ham and Bean Soup is a mixture of ham, water, beans, vegetables, and seasonings. The ham can be leftover ham meat, ham bones, ham hocks. When leftover ham is used, it is usually added at the end of the cooking period. Ham bones and hocks are cooked with the beans to provide extra flavor. One of the most well known versions of ham and bean soup is Senate Bean Soup, which has been served in the U.S. Senate dining room since the beginning of the 20th century.http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_item/bean_soup.htm

Ham and bean soup can be made using different kinds of beans. The most common ham and bean soup recipes use great northern beans, pinto beans or navy beans, although any kind of beans work well with ham.

Combinations of several types of beans used together can also be used in ham and bean soup. Packages of 15 bean soup mix can also be used for ham and bean soup. These packages are often served with a packet of ham flavoring that can be used when making the soup stock.http://www.savory-soup-recipes.com/15-bean-soup.html

Ham and bean soup is an easy way to utilize leftover ham. The soup is prepared by adding the ham, beans and additional ingredients, such as onions, celery, carrots and spices, into a pot and slow cooking.