Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Simple Recipe for a Flavorful Meal
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup recipe? Look no further! This hearty ham and bean soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. It's packed with protein, fiber, and deliciousness, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords like "ham and bean soup," "easy soup recipe," "comfort food," and more, to ensure high visibility.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to adjust quantities to your liking!
- 1 pound ham bone or leftover ham, cut into 1-inch pieces. (Using a ham bone adds a depth of flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or use your favorite bean!)
- 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks!
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the ham and beans: Add the ham pieces, great northern beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, corn, or green beans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Slow cooker option: This soup is also perfect for a slow cooker! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
This ham and bean soup recipe is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover ham, and it's a budget-friendly option that's packed with flavor and nutrition. The simple instructions make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, and the numerous variations allow you to customize it to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
