Bean Soup with Ham: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than this bean soup with ham recipe! This recipe is easy to follow, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. It's also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a hearty and flavorful bean soup, perfect for a cozy night in. You'll need:
- 1 pound ham bone (or 1 cup diced ham) - The ham bone adds incredible depth of flavor!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly delicious bean soup:
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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, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Liquids and Beans: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, great northern beans, and kidney beans to the pot. If using a ham bone, add it now. 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. If using diced ham, add it during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham bone (if used) and shred the meat, returning it to the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Bowl
- 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, zucchini, or green beans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Use different beans: Experiment with other types of beans like pinto beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
- Slow cooker option: This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions: A Delicious Spread
This hearty bean soup is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Crusty bread
- Cornbread
- A side salad
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
This bean soup with ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavor and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy!
