bean and ham soup recipe

bean and ham soup recipe

The Best bean and ham soup recipe

Bean and ham soup is a classic dish that has been a staple in my home for as long as I can remember. I first learned to make it from my grandmother, who would often prepare it on cold winter days. It is a hearty, comforting soup that warms you from the inside out. The combination of beans, ham, and vegetables creates a rich, savory flavor that is both satisfying and nourishing.

My kids love it too, and it’s become a favorite family meal. This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a large family gathering. The best part is that it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of protein from the beans and ham, and the vegetables add plenty of vitamins and fiber.

The soup is also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add spices to suit your taste. Additionally, it’s a budget-friendly meal that can feed a large family or provide plenty of leftovers for lunches throughout the week. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying dish.

I remember the first time I made it on my own, I was nervous but excited. I followed my grandmother’s recipe and was amazed by how delicious it turned out. Since then, it has been a go-to recipe in my home, and I love sharing it with friends and family. I have also made this soup for potlucks and holiday gatherings, and it always receives rave reviews.

It’s the perfect dish to serve on a chilly day or when you need a comforting meal. I always feel good knowing that I’m serving a nutritious and delicious meal to my loved ones. It’s a comforting dish that brings back happy memories and creates new ones with every bowl. It’s a recipe that I hope you will enjoy making and sharing with your own family and friends.

I believe it will become a beloved dish in your home, just as it has in mine.

Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

4.9 from 1302 votes

This hearty bean and ham soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried beans (such as navy or great northern beans)
1 lb ham bone or ham hocks
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans and pick out any debris.
2Place them in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water.
3Let them soak overnight.
4This step helps to soften the beans and reduces the cooking time.
5After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
6In the same pot, add the ham bone or ham hocks.
7Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
8Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
9This will help to extract the flavor from the ham.
10Remove the ham bone or hocks and set aside to cool.
11Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and chop it into small pieces.
12Reserve the meat and discard the bone.
13In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
14Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion.
15Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
16Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
17Add the dried thyme and oregano and stir to combine.
18Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot.
19Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
20Bring the mixture to a boil.
21Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
22Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
23Add the chopped ham meat to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
24Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
25Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
26Remove the bay leaf.
27Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
28Enjoy your delicious and comforting bean and ham soup.
29This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use canned beans instead of dried beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pot. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach to make it more hearty.

Bean and ham soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great dish to make in large batches and freeze for later.

You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. It’s a budget-friendly meal that can feed a large family or provide plenty of leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

I always feel good knowing that I’m serving a nutritious and delicious meal to my loved ones. This soup is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bean and Ham Soup

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pot. Keep in mind that canned beans may have a different texture and flavor than dried beans that have been soaked and cooked from scratch.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the ham meat) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add the chopped ham meat during the last hour of cooking.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach to make it more hearty.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this soup. Some good options include potatoes, spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just add them during the cooking process as directed in the recipe. Add vegetables that require longer cooking time, such as potatoes, earlier in the cooking process. Add vegetables that cook quickly, such as spinach or bell peppers, during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

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