Ham & Bean Soup Savory and Flavorful Comfort Dish

If you’re craving a warm, filling dish, look no further than ham and bean soup. This savory comfort food blends tender ham and creamy beans with fresh veggies for a cozy meal. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you’ll learn how to make this dish from scratch. Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and variations to ensure your soup is perfect every time!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked ham, diced

– 1 cup dry white beans (navy or great northern)

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 medium carrots, diced

– 2 celery stalks, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 6 cups chicken broth

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley for garnish

Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great ham and bean soup. Start with the ham. Diced pieces work best. You can use leftover ham from your last meal. It adds a nice, rich flavor.

Next, you need white beans. Navy or great northern beans are perfect. Soak them overnight for best results. This helps them cook well and makes them tender.

For the veggies, chop one medium onion, two medium carrots, and two celery stalks into small pieces. These will give your soup depth and texture.

Garlic is essential too. Three cloves, minced, will create a fragrant base.

You’ll want six cups of chicken broth. Low sodium broth keeps the flavors balanced.

For seasoning, grab two bay leaves, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. These will add warmth and a hint of smokiness.

Finally, have salt and black pepper on hand to adjust the taste. Use two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté your veggies. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish for color and freshness.

With these ingredients, you are ready to create a savory and flavorful ham and bean soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Vegetables

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them soft and the onion to be clear.

Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir for about a minute. The garlic should smell nice and golden. This step boosts the flavor of the soup.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked ham. Mix it well with the veggies. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Carefully pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Then, add 1 cup of soaked and drained white beans. Toss in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well. This step ensures all the flavors mix.

Cooking the Soup

Increase the heat until your soup boils gently. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beans to be soft and the flavors rich.

After cooking, taste your soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving. Now, ladle the hearty soup into bowls. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of ham and bean soup!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Soup’s Flavor

To make your ham and bean soup shine, start by adjusting the seasoning. After you finish cooking, taste the soup. You may want more salt or black pepper. This step is key to bringing out all the flavors.

Next, pay attention to simmering time. Simmering the soup for 1.5 to 2 hours helps the beans become tender. It also lets the flavors meld together. A longer simmer can deepen the taste. The result is a rich, savory soup.

Cooking Methods

Using a slow cooker can make this dish super easy. Just combine all your ingredients in the cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method offers a hands-off approach. You’ll come home to a warm, ready meal.

If you want a quicker option, an Instant Pot works wonders. Cook on the soup setting for about 30 minutes. This method saves time while keeping the flavor intact.

Serving Suggestions

When serving ham and bean soup, pair it with simple side dishes. A slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad works well. These sides balance the hearty soup.

For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds color and freshness. You can also try croutons for crunch. These small touches make your dish look beautiful and inviting.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily tweak this ham and bean soup recipe. For a different flavor, try using bacon or sausage instead of ham. Each meat brings a unique taste. Bacon adds a smoky crunch, while sausage can give it a spicy kick.

You can also play with the beans. While I love using white beans, you can switch to pinto or black beans. Each type brings its own texture and flavor. Pinto beans are creamy, and black beans add a nice earthiness. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Regional Variations

Ham and bean soup has many versions around the world. In the U.S., it often features navy beans and a hearty ham base. In other cultures, like in Portugal, they might add spices and greens, creating a different flavor profile.

Seasonal changes can also enhance the dish. In the fall, adding kale or spinach gives the soup a fresh taste. In spring, try adding peas or leeks for brightness. Think of the local produce to inspire your own version! Each region and season can lead to a new favorite recipe.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your ham and bean soup in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Let the soup cool before sealing it. For best results, reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often to ensure even heating. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots.

Freezing the Soup

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move the soup to the fridge overnight to thaw. For quick thawing, place the bag in cold water. Reheat on the stove to bring back its rich flavors. Avoid refreezing once it has thawed to keep the texture nice.

FAQs

Common Cooking Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans. Rinse them well before adding. This saves time and still makes a tasty soup.

How do I make the soup vegetarian-friendly?

To make it vegetarian, skip the ham. Use vegetable broth and add more veggies. You can use mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Nutritional Information

Health benefits of ham and bean soup

Ham and bean soup is rich in protein. Beans provide fiber, which is good for digestion. It also has vitamins from the veggies.

Caloric content per serving

Each serving has about 300-400 calories. This can vary based on the amount of ham and oil you use.

General Recipe Questions

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your pot is big enough to hold it all!

This blog post explored the delicious ham and bean soup recipe. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps for cooking, and ways to enhance the flavor. I shared tips for different cooking methods and variations to try. You learned how to store and reheat the soup, along with answers to common questions.

In conclusion, this warm and hearty meal is simple yet satisfying. Enjoy making this recipe and make it your ow