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How to Make Bean and Ham Soup
Step 1: Prep the Beans
If you’re using dried beans, you’ll need to soak them first. Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 5 minutes, then removing them from heat and letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Ham and Seasonings
Stir in the cubed ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes to let it warm through. Then, add the dried beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. You may need to add additional water or broth during the cooking process to maintain the desired soup consistency.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, stir in a tablespoon of vinegar for a slight tang. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add extra water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of homemade bean and ham soup.
Tips for the Perfect Bean and Ham Soup
- Use Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or a ham bone. The ham adds rich flavor to the broth and makes the soup even more hearty.
- Substitute Canned Beans: If you’re short on time or didn’t soak your dried beans, you can substitute canned beans (about 3-4 cans, drained and rinsed). Just add them in with the broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or spinach to make the soup even more nutritious and flavorful.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the soup.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can make this soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients to the crockpot and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why This Soup Works
Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate in comfort food. It combines simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and savory broth makes this soup perfect for colder months, but it’s delicious year-round.
With its rich flavor and filling nature, this soup is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It also keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be frozen for future meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it to family and friends, Bean and Ham Soup is sure to be a hit.
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