Growing up, I have the fondest memories of my mom’s homemade Ham And Bean Soup. It was a dish that always brought our family together, filling the house with the most comforting aroma. Whenever the weather turned chilly, I knew it was time for a big batch of that hearty, nourishing Ham And Bean Soup.
Mom would start by simmering a ham bone with a mix of beans – usually a combination of navy, great northern, and kidney beans. The way the flavors melded together over hours on the stovetop was pure magic. As the soup thickened, she’d add in carrots, celery, onions, and a few secret spices that gave it that signature flavor we all loved.
I can still picture myself grabbing a big, crusty slice of homemade bread to dip into that rich, savory broth. There’s just something about Ham And Bean Soup that warms you from the inside out, don’t you think? It’s the ultimate comfort food, reminding me of simpler times and cherished family dinners.
Why This Ham And Bean Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham And Bean Soup
This Ham And Bean Soup recipe is truly something special. The key is in the slow simmering process that allows all the flavors to meld together into a hearty, satisfying soup. I’ve perfected the technique over the years, making sure to extract every ounce of flavor from the ham bone. Trust me, once you taste this soup, it’ll become a staple in your household too.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ham bone or ham hocks: This is the foundation of the soup, providing a rich, savory base.
- Dried beans: A mix of navy, great northern, and kidney beans creates the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery add sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Seasonings: A touch of garlic, thyme, and bay leaves complement the other ingredients beautifully.
Step-by-Step Ham And Bean Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Ham And Bean Soup
This Ham And Bean Soup is surprisingly easy to make, but it does require a bit of patience as the beans need time to soften and the flavors to develop. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, comforting soup ready to enjoy.
1- Start by placing the ham bone or hocks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, allowing the ham to infuse the broth with its savory goodness.
2- Add the dried beans to the pot, making sure they’re fully submerged. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
3- While the beans are simmering, chop the onions, carrots, and celery. Add them to the pot and let the soup continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
4- Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding more water if necessary to keep the ingredients covered. You’ll know the soup is ready when the beans have fully softened and the vegetables are tender.
5- Season the Ham And Bean Soup with garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the flavors meld together for an additional 15-20 minutes.
6- Finally, remove the ham bone and shred or chop the meat, then add it back to the soup. Ladle the delicious Ham And Bean Soup into bowls and serve hot, with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Ham And Bean Soup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Soak the dried beans overnight before cooking to help them soften faster.
- For a thicker, creamier soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot as it simmers.
- If the soup seems too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra water or broth.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bean varieties or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
Serving and Storing Your Ham And Bean Soup
Perfect Pairings for Ham And Bean Soup
This hearty Ham And Bean Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread, like a fresh-baked baguette or cornbread, is an obvious choice for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or coleslaw also makes a great accompaniment. And don’t forget to offer some cornichons or pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ham And Bean Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal. Once it’s cooled, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham And Bean Soup
Creative Ham And Bean Soup Variations
While this classic Ham And Bean Soup is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to your liking. Try swapping out the ham for smoked turkey or bacon for a different flavor profile. Add some diced potatoes or leafy greens like kale or spinach for extra nutrition. You can even experiment with different bean varieties, such as lentils or chickpeas.
Making Ham And Bean Soup Diet-Friendly
For a healthier version of Ham And Bean Soup, you can reduce the amount of ham or use a leaner cut. Opt for low-sodium broth and skip the added salt. To make it gluten-free, simply serve the soup without any bread. And for a vegan or vegetarian twist, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Absolutely! Using canned beans will significantly reduce the cooking time. Simply drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
Q: How long does the Ham And Bean Soup need to simmer?
A: The total simmering time is about 2-2.5 hours. This allows the beans to fully soften and the flavors to develop. Be patient – the longer it simmers, the better the soup will taste.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Ham And Bean Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Ham And Bean Soup recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a bowl with some crusty bread is usually enough for a satisfying meal.
Q: My soup turned out too thick – what can I do?
A: If the Ham And Bean Soup ends up being too thick for your liking, simply thin it out by adding more broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Ham And Bean Soup
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Warm up with this classic Ham And Bean Soup – a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender beans, chunks of ham, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, this soup is the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb dry navy beans, soaked and drained
– 1 lb ham, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot, cover the soaked and drained navy beans with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until beans are tender.
2. 2. Drain the beans and return them to the pot. Add the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
3. 3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5. Serve the Ham And Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can mash or puree some of the beans.
– Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
– This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of homemade Ham And Bean Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is the perfect blend of savory, comforting flavors that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give this Ham And Bean Soup a try – I guarantee it’ll fill your home with the most delicious aroma and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy!