Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ham, diced (use leftover ham for extra flavor!)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed (or use any white beans)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the ham, chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ham: Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through.
4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, and bay leaf, and stir to combine.
5. Add the beans and broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the beans. Bring to a boil.
6. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf, and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy!

20 Popular Questions and Answers about Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

1. Can I use leftover ham for this soup? Yes! Leftover ham adds great flavor and makes the soup even easier to prepare.
2. What type of beans are best for ham and bean soup? Great northern beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans are the best options.
3. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes really well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use bone-in ham for this recipe? Absolutely! You can simmer the bone in the soup to enhance the flavor, then remove it before serving.
5. How can I make this soup thicker? You can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup or add more beans and cook longer.
6. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup? Yes, replace the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. Use vegetable broth as well.
7. Can I add potatoes to this soup? Yes! Diced potatoes work well. Just add them with the carrots and let them cook through.
8. How long will this soup last in the fridge? It will last about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
9. Can I use dry beans instead of canned? Yes! Soak dry beans overnight and add them with the broth to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
10. Can I use any type of ham? Yes, any ham will work, but smoked ham or a ham hock gives a deeper flavor.
11. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh? Yes! You can use frozen carrots, celery, and onions if you’re in a pinch.
12. What can I serve with ham and bean soup? Crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad are perfect sides.
13. How can I make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
14. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes! Vegetable broth will work well if you’re looking for a vegetarian version or want a lighter flavor.
15. Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or bell peppers would be great additions.
16. Should I drain the beans before adding them to the soup? Yes, drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium.
17. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the ham and veggies first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
18. Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot? Yes, cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes for a quicker version.
19. Can I add ham bones for more flavor? Yes! Simmer the ham bone in the broth for extra depth of flavor, then remove before serving.
20. How can I make this soup more hearty? Add more beans, extra ham, or even pasta to make the soup even heartier.

30 Helpful Tips to Make Your Ham and Bean Soup Even More Delightful

1. Use homemade broth for a richer flavor.
2. Cook the ham until crispy for a deeper flavor.
3. Sauté the vegetables in the ham drippings for extra taste.
4. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
5. Add a bay leaf for more depth in the broth.
6. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.
7. Use a smoked ham hock for extra smoky flavor.
8. Add a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
9. Incorporate diced potatoes to make the soup heartier.
10. Use a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking method.
11. Add a touch of cream or milk for a creamy texture.
12. Make it a one-pot meal by cooking everything in a Dutch oven.
13. Season incrementally to ensure the perfect flavor balance.
14. Garnish with crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.
15. Use fresh or frozen beans for more texture in the soup.
16. Use lean ham if you prefer a lighter version of the soup.
17. Add a dollop of sour cream when serving for a creamy contrast.
18. Add a little bit of brown sugar to balance the savory flavors.
19. Simmer longer to let the flavors meld together.
20. Add a squeeze of lemon right before serving for brightness.
21. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
22. Top with grated cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar.
23. Make it in advance—soups often taste better the next day.
24. Add fresh garlic at the end of cooking for more robust flavor.
25. Cook the soup on low heat for a longer time to bring out deeper flavors.
26. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.
27. Use an immersion blender to slightly puree the soup for a creamy texture.
28. Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for an easy future meal.
29. Use kale or spinach for added greens and texture.
30. Stir in some cooked pasta for a heartier, more filling meal.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Ham and Bean Soup

1. Choose a good quality ham for the best flavor.
2. Brown the ham and veggies before adding the broth for richer flavor.
3. Don’t overcook the beans—keep them tender and not mushy.
4. Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Simmer the soup slowly to develop deep flavors.
6. Use bone-in ham for extra richness and flavor.
7. Add the beans last to avoid them becoming too soft.
8. Season gradually and taste as you go.
9. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if the soup is too thick.
10. Use a variety of beans for different textures in the soup.
11. Don’t skip the bay leaf—it’s a key to building flavor.
12. Keep the ham chunks chunky—they should be a star ingredient.
13. Use garlic and onion generously for flavor.
14. Add a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
15. Incorporate fresh herbs at the end of cooking for more brightness.
16. Don’t add salt until the end—ham and broth can be salty.
17. Simmer on low to meld all the flavors together.
18. Add frozen veggies to save time but still get fresh taste.
19. Stir in a splash of vinegar to balance the richness of the ham.
20. Use fresh thyme for a clean, aromatic flavor.
21. Add extra protein with sausage or turkey for variety.
22. Don’t rush it—slow cooking makes the flavors better.
23. Stir in cooked quinoa for a twist and extra nutrition.
24. Top with crispy shallots for crunch.
25. Use vegetable broth for a lighter soup while maintaining flavor.
26. Grate cheese over the soup to add creaminess and depth.
27. Serve with a dollop of yogurt for extra richness.
28. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a silky texture.
29. Allow it to cool and reheat—soups often taste better the next day.
30. Use a Dutch oven for even, slow cooking.

Enjoy making your Hearty Ham and Bean Soup with these tips and secrets