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Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup
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Ham and Bean Soup is a cozy, hearty classic combining smoky ham, creamy beans, and a rich broth that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for chilly days, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers a nutritious, filling meal full of deep, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Meat

  • 1 lb dried navy or Great Northern beans
  • 1 smoked ham hock or ham bone (with some meat attached)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fats

  • 6–8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort the dried beans to remove any debris. Soak them overnight or perform a quick soak by boiling for a few minutes then letting sit for 1 hour to soften.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add Ham and Beans: Add the soaked beans and ham hock or bone to the pot. Incorporate bay leaves and thyme, then pour in enough broth to cover by about an inch. Stir well to combine.
  4. Simmer Slowly: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam or fat from the surface.
  5. Remove Ham and Shred: Remove the ham hock from the soup, shred the meat off the bone, and return the shredded ham to the pot. Discard bones, bay leaves, and thyme stems. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Final Touches: Mash some beans against the side of the pot if a thicker texture is desired. Cook for a few more minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Use a quality smoked ham hock or ham bone for best flavor.
  • Soaking beans reduces cooking time and helps digestion.
  • Simmer soup gently to avoid breaking beans too much.
  • Reserve and mash some beans for a creamier consistency without adding cream.
  • Taste before salting, as ham can be salty.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and bean soup, comfort food, smoked ham soup, hearty soup, bean soup, gluten free soup

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/ham-and-bean-soup/