A Hearty and Delicious Ham and Bean Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal? Look no further! This ham and bean recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. It's packed with protein, fiber, and tons of deliciousness. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 pound dried navy beans: Soaking these overnight is highly recommended for quicker cooking and better texture. You can substitute with other beans like pinto beans or great northern beans.
- 1 cup chopped ham: Leftover ham bone works wonderfully, adding extra flavor! Dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions both work great.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and color to your dish.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery provides a subtle savory flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for that savory depth of flavor.
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Choose your preferred broth for the best flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary complements the ham and beans beautifully.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optional additions: Consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Beans: Rinse the dried beans thoroughly. Soak them in plenty of cold water for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add them to the pot along with the chopped ham, broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Once the beans are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.
- Add some greens: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe is also perfect for a slow cooker. Follow the same steps, but cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
SEO Keywords:
This recipe post is optimized with keywords including: ham and bean recipe, ham and beans, easy ham and bean recipe, slow cooker ham and beans, best ham and bean recipe, delicious ham and beans, hearty ham and bean soup, simple ham and bean recipe. The article also utilizes semantic keywords, naturally weaving in related terms like navy beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, broth, herbs, spices.
This detailed recipe, along with the SEO optimization, ensures your blog post will be easily discoverable by search engines and appealing to readers seeking a delicious and satisfying ham and bean meal. Remember to use high-quality images to further enhance engagement!
