Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this delectable bean soup with ham recipe. This classic comfort food will warm you up on a chilly day and satisfy your taste buds with its savory and hearty flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create a restaurant-worthy bean soup with ham that will impress your family and friends.
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need dried beans (such as pinto beans or navy beans), ham (either a ham bone or diced ham), vegetables (such as onions, carrots, and celery), spices (such as salt, pepper, and cumin), and a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. With these ingredients and equipment in hand, you’re all set to embark on your bean soup journey.
How To Make Bean Soup with Ham
To begin, sort and rinse the beans to remove any debris or dirt. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl or pot, covered with at least 3 inches of water. This soaking process will help reduce cooking time and improve the digestibility of the beans.
The next day, drain the beans and rinse them well. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the beans, ham (if using a ham bone, tie it with kitchen twine for easy removal later), onion, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, cumin, and bay leaves (if using). Cover the ingredients with water by about 2 inches and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using a ham bone, remove it from the soup once the beans are tender and discard.
If desired, you can add diced ham (or cooked ham if using a ham bone) to the soup. Add additional spices or seasonings to your taste, such as paprika, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans using a potato masher or immersion blender. This will create a creamy texture that adds richness to the soup.
Serve the bean soup with ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. Accompany it with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips or Possible Variation of the Bean Soup with Ham
For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham and add an extra cup of vegetables, such as diced zucchini or bell peppers.
Can’t find dried beans? Feel free to use canned beans (rinsed and drained) in this recipe. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time accordingly.
To add a smoky flavor to your soup, cook the ham bone or diced ham in a skillet until lightly browned before adding it to the soup.
This bean soup with ham is a versatile recipe that allows for endless variations. Experiment with different types of beans, vegetables, and spices to create a soup that suits your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
