Ham and Bean Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
This recipe for ham and bean soup is a classic for a reason! It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening. This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe simple to follow and adaptable to your taste. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs.
- 1 pound dried navy beans, or 2 (15-ounce) cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 pound ham bone, or about 1 cup of diced ham (leftover ham works perfectly!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups water or ham broth (for extra hammy goodness!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste (add towards the end, as ham is already salty)
- Optional additions: 1 cup chopped potatoes, 1/2 cup chopped green beans, a splash of Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Note: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water for optimal results. This will significantly reduce cooking time.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil or butter until softened. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Ham: Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ham bone (or diced ham) to the pot.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the water (or broth), add the beans, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. If using dried beans that weren't pre-soaked, you may need to simmer for 2-3 hours or more.
- Season and Serve: Remove the ham bone (if using a bone) and shred the meat. Return the shredded ham to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Add greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different beans: Feel free to experiment with other beans like pinto beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make it a meal prep star: This soup freezes beautifully!
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty ham and bean soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Cornbread muffins
- A side salad
This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Enjoy your delicious homemade ham and bean soup!
