Ham and bean soup is a classic American dish that is often enjoyed during the cold winter months. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day. This version of ham and bean soup is made from scratch, so it’s sure to be delicious.
The key to making a flavorful and delicious ham and bean soup is to start with quality ingredients. You’ll need ham, beans, vegetables, and spices to make this soup. You can use any type of beans you like, but we recommend using navy beans or lima beans for a heartier soup.
Ingredients
For this soup, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of dried navy beans or lima beans
- 1 pound of ham, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 quarts of chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To make this soup, you’ll first need to soak your beans in a large bowl of water for 8 hours or overnight. Once the beans have been soaked, drain them and set aside.
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ham and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the ham from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beans, thyme, bay leaves, and stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
Add the ham back to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread.
Tips for Making the Best Ham and Bean Soup
For the best results, make sure to use quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, stock, and ham will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup. You can also use a ham bone or ham hocks to add more flavor to the soup.
You can also use canned beans for this recipe, but the flavor won’t be as good as using dried beans. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a potato masher or blend them in a blender before adding them back to the pot. This will help to thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is perfect for a cold winter night. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a comforting and satisfying meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream and some freshly chopped parsley for a little extra flavor.
This soup also makes a great leftovers dish. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop until heated through.
Conclusion
Ham and bean soup is a classic American dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day. This homemade version is made with dried beans, ham, vegetables, and spices for a hearty and flavorful soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious soup on the table in no time!
