Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

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When the weather turns chilly and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of bean and ham soup. This classic comfort food is easy to make and requires minimal prep work, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, follow this detailed bean and ham soup recipe and impress your taste buds with a mouthwatering culinary creation.

The secret to a flavorful bean and ham soup lies in using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to simmer it gently. The combination of rich ham stock, tender beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans and ham to find the combination that suits your palate.

bean and ham soup recipe

How to Make Bean and Ham Soup

Gather your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient process. For this bean and ham soup recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound dried beans (such as navy beans, black beans, or pinto beans)
  • 1 ham bone (or 2 cups of ham stock)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped

    • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • 8 cups of water

Equipment:

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sort and rinse the beans. Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans. Transfer them to a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
  3. Add the ham bone or ham stock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
  4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
  5. Remove the ham bone from the pot. If desired, shred the ham and return it to the soup.
  6. Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the bean and ham soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips or Possible Variation of Bean and Ham Soup

For a richer flavor, use a combination of different types of beans, such as navy beans, black beans, and pinto beans.

If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use 2 cups of store-bought ham stock.

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of ham stock.

Add a spicy kick by using diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

For a creamy texture, blend about 1 cup of the soup until smooth and stir it back into the pot.

Garnish your bean and ham soup with your favorite toppings, such as shredded Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or diced avocado.