Ham and Bean Soup is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham and creating a comforting meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious pot of Ham and Bean Soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as navy beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans:
- If using dried beans, rinse them under cold water and pick out any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse before using. (Alternatively, you can use the quick-soak method: Bring beans to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.)
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the soaked beans to the pot, followed by the bay leaf, dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
- Place the ham bone (or diced ham) into the pot and pour in the broth. If using diced potatoes, add them at this point.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally. If the soup gets too thick, you can add more broth or water.
- Season and Serve:
- Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone if used and shred any remaining meat from the bone into the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the soup.
- If using canned beans, rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot. Reduce the cooking time as canned beans are already cooked.
Enjoy your hearty, comforting Ham and Bean Soup!