Ham and bean soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. The rich aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a comforting meal that feels like home. Imagine spooning into a bowl filled with tender beans, savory ham, and just the right spices, all simmered to perfection. This dish is the culinary equivalent of curling up under a blanket with your favorite book.

Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work or perhaps faced an unexpected snowstorm. You want something hearty yet simple to prepare. That’s when ham and bean soup swoops in like your favorite superhero; ready to save the day with its deliciousness. It’s not just food; it’s nostalgia in a bowl.

This dish has always garnered applause from family gatherings; everyone races to claim their bowl first!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ham Hock: A big hunk of flavored goodness; I love using smoked ones for that rich taste.
• Dried Navy Beans: These little gems soak up all the flavors beautifully; remember to soak overnight!
• Carrots: Sweetness in every bite; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness; look for bright green stalks!
• Onion: A must-have for flavor; chopped finely so they melt into the mix.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives depth; two or three cloves will do nicely.
• Bay Leaves: Just a couple add complexity; don’t forget to fish them out before serving!
• Chicken Broth: Rich and flavorful base; homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies; use extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning essentials; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery until fragrant—about five minutes should do.

Add Garlic & Ham Hock: Stir in minced garlic followed by your glorious ham hock. Cook until the garlic smells heavenly—around one minute should suffice.

Toss in Beans & Broth: Add soaked navy beans along with chicken broth until everything is submerged. Remember to scrape any browned bits off the bottom!

Add Seasonings & Bay Leaves: Toss in bay leaves along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well as you let those flavors mingle.

Simmer Away!: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are tender.

As you cook, enjoy the mesmerizing scents filling your kitchen! Remember that patience pays off—your taste buds will thank you later.

After about an hour of simmering bliss, check if those beans are tender enough to meet your expectations. If they are soft but still hold their shape, you’re golden!

Serve this delightful ham and bean soup hot from the pot into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy (or just because). Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for dipping—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love dunking?

And there you have it! A hearty bowl of ham and bean soup ready to warm both your belly and soul!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add beans and broth. Let simmer for hours, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and crunch. You could also swap out ham for smoked turkey for a lighter version.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water if needed to loosen it up.

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen; her Ham and Bean Soup was legendary, filling our home with warmth and laughter.

FAQ

What type of beans work best in Ham and Bean Soup?

Navy or great northern beans are ideal due to their creamy texture when cooked.

Can I make Ham and Bean Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for rich flavor.

How do I thicken my Ham and Bean Soup?

Mash a portion of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness.

Print

Ham and Bean Soup

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Ham and Bean Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines savory ham with creamy beans, creating the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ham hock (smoked for extra flavor)
• 1 cup dried navy beans (soaked overnight)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic & ham hock: Stir in minced garlic and the ham hock; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Combine beans & broth: Add soaked navy beans and chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Scrape any browned bits from the pot.
4. Season & simmer: Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour until beans are tender.
5. Serve: Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with fresh herbs as garnish and crusty bread on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider including diced potatoes or spinach. Swap ham for smoked turkey or bacon for a lighter alternative.