Enjoy a warm and comforting meal with a classic ham and bean soup recipe. Prepare to indulge in a hearty and flavorful soup that satisfies the soul on chilly evenings. Our easy-to-follow recipe makes cooking this comforting dish a breeze, suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward methods, our ham and bean soup is perfect for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing family dinner or a comforting lunch, this versatile soup is sure to become a favorite.
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
How To Make
Creating a delicious ham and bean soup is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of comfort food ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 pound dry Great Northern beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 pound smoked ham (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large Dutch oven or stockpot
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, ham, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially mash some of the beans, creating a thicker soup.
- Check for seasoning and adjust to your taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Tips or Possible Variation:
To enhance the flavor of your ham and bean soup, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
For a thicker soup, use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree a portion of the beans. Alternatively, you can add 1/2 cup of instant mashed potatoes.
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water.
This versatile soup can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
For a smoky flavor, use smoked ham or add a few slices of bacon to the soup while cooking.
