Ham and Bean Soup

INTRODUCTION

Ham and bean soup is a classic dish loved by many. This warm and hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. It is filling, nutritious, and has a rich flavor that comes from using a leftover ham bone. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices makes this soup comforting and satisfying. Plus, it is easy to make, especially with a slow cooker. You can prepare this dish with simple ingredients you might already have at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love ham and bean soup! First, it is very comforting, making it a great meal for cold weather. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a delicious and hearty dish. You’ll love the savory taste of the ham, combined with the creamy texture of the beans.

Second, this recipe is quite flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. If you like, you can add more vegetables or spices to fit your taste.

Another reason is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that the whole family will enjoy. It takes very little hands-on time, allowing you to get other things done while the soup cooks.

Moreover, ham and bean soup is budget-friendly. It uses leftover ham and dry beans, making it an economical choice for families. Lastly, this soup stores well. You can make a big batch, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

HOW TO MAKE Ham and Bean Soup

Making ham and bean soup is easy! You will need to soak the beans, then cook them with the other ingredients in a slow cooker. Here’s how you do it.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make ham and bean soup, you will need the following equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• A slow cooker (6 or 7 quarts)
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A knife and cutting board
• A stirring spoon
• A colander

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups dry great northern beans
• 3 cups water, plus more for soaking beans
• 1 (3 lb) leftover meaty ham bone
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 3)
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 3)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Soak the Beans: Start by placing the dry great northern beans in a large mixing bowl. Add enough water to cover the beans by a couple of inches. Let them rest overnight. This soaking step helps soften the beans and makes them easier to cook.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: The next morning, drain the soaked beans. Then add them to the slow cooker.

3. Add the Ham Bone: Place the leftover meaty ham bone into the slow cooker alongside the beans.

4. Chop and Add Vegetables: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Add these vegetables to the slow cooker. Also, include the minced garlic and thyme.

5. Add Broth and Water: Pour in the unsalted chicken broth and add 2 cups of water to the slow cooker.

6. Season the Soup: Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of pepper and salt to taste. Stir everything gently to combine all the ingredients well.

7. Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it on high heat. Cook the soup until the beans are tender, about 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours.

8. Shred the Ham: Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham bone from the soup. Shred the meat off the bone, discarding the bone and excess fat.

9. Finalize the Soup: Add the shredded ham back into the slow cooker. If the soup seems too thick, you can also add 1 cup of water at this point. Stir in the chopped parsley for added flavor.

10. Serve: Your ham and bean soup is now ready! Serve it warm.

HOW TO SERVE Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is best enjoyed warm. You can serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top for garnish. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For some extra flair, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to your bowl if you like a little heat.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup stores well in the refrigerator. You can keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot.

If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen. The soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it on the stove or microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can serve ham and bean soup with several tasty sides:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh bread works great for dipping into the soup.
• Salad: A light green salad adds some freshness to the meal.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavor of the soup.
• Pickles: A tangy pickle can provide a nice contrast to the soup’s richness.

VARIATIONS

While the classic ham and bean soup recipe is delicious, you can easily mix things up. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ham and ham bone for smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give a similar flavor without meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Different Beans: Try using black beans or navy beans if you want to change the flavor and texture.
• More Vegetables: Add in your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to boost nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.

FAQs

1. How long can I store ham and bean soup in the refrigerator?
You can keep ham and bean soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

2. Can I make ham and bean soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, and it tastes better the next day!

3. What can I use instead of a ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or smoky sausage for flavor.

4. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ham and Bean Soup

To make this meal even easier, you can prep some ingredients in advance. Here are a few tips:

• Soak the Beans: Soak your beans the night before so they are ready for cooking the next day.
• Chop Vegetables Ahead: You can chop your carrots, celery, and onion a day early. Keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a previous meal, store it in the fridge and use it in the soup. This can save preparation time and add a lot of flavor.

With these steps and tips, you now have a delicious and hearty ham and bean soup recipe to enjoy. It’s perfect for any occasion, and it is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Happy cooking!

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