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How to Make Ham and White Bean Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
If you’re using dried beans, it’s best to soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly. To do this, place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them sit for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse them before cooking.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by placing the beans in a pot, covering them with water, and bringing them to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans sit for about 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.
If you prefer to skip this step entirely, you can also use canned white beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Beans
Once the vegetables are softened, add the ham cubes to the pot and cook for a few minutes, allowing the ham to brown slightly and release its smoky flavor.
Add the soaked and drained white beans, along with the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This will allow the beans to soften and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and check the soup for seasoning. If it’s too thick, you can add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once the beans are tender and the soup has reached your preferred consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
Tips for the Best Ham and White Bean Soup
- Use Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham, especially after the holidays. The flavor from the ham bone or ham hock can also be added to the broth for even more depth. If you don’t have leftover ham, a ham steak from the grocery store works just as well.
- Soaking Beans: Soaking the beans overnight or using the quick-soak method helps them cook more evenly and reduces the cooking time. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and use canned beans instead.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a richer flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth or even homemade stock. You can also substitute part of the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, parsnips, or kale. These can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
- Let it Rest: Like most soups, Ham and White Bean Soup tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and White Bean Soup is hearty enough to be served as a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty sourdough or French bread is perfect for dipping into the savory soup.
- Cornbread: Serve with a side of sweet, fluffy cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Pickles or Relish: For a touch of acidity, serve alongside some pickles or a tangy relish to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Ham and White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. The combination of smoky ham, tender beans, and vegetables creates a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for meal prep, or just need a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is one you won’t want to lose. It’s simple, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
So go ahead, make this hearty and flavorful soup today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
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