Thereβs something about a simmering pot of ham and bean soup that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The rich aroma wafts through the kitchen like a cozy blanket, wrapping you in its embrace. Each spoonful is a delightful combination of tender ham mingling with creamy beans that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Itβs like being hugged by your grandma on a cold winter day β if your grandma were made of delicious ingredients.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were over for game night. As soon as they walked in and caught that heavenly scent, they instantly forgot about the football game. Letβs just say my ham and bean soup took center stage that night, proving once again that food has magical powers.
Iβll never forget when my cousin tried my ham and bean soup for the first time; his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cooked Ham: Use leftover holiday ham for great flavor or pick up some deli ham from your local store.
- Great Northern Beans: These white beans are perfect for absorbing flavors but feel free to swap with any beans you prefer.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sautΓ© until itβs soft and translucent for the best results.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add a nice crunch; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: Use fresh celery to enhance the flavor base; it adds an aromatic touch to the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings out deep flavors; always use fresh garlic for the best aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
- Bay Leaves: One or two bay leaves infuse a subtle depth of flavor; remember to remove them before serving!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste; seasoning is key to bringing out all those rich flavors.
- Dried Thyme or Rosemary: Adds an earthy note that pairs beautifully with beans and ham.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make It Together
SautΓ©ing Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. SautΓ© until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Add Ham and Beans: Stir in chopped cooked ham along with drained Great Northern beans. Give everything a good mix so those amazing flavors start marrying.
Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. Then toss in bay leaves along with thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until thickened slightly.
Season It Up: As it simmers, taste your masterpiece! Adjust salt and pepper if needed because we want every bite bursting with flavor.
Serve Hot: Remove bay leaves before serving! Ladle steaming bowls of ham and bean soup into dishes. Garnish if you wish β maybe some fresh parsley?
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its simplicity but also in its adaptability. You can serve it alongside crusty bread or over fluffy rice β either way, itβs sure to satisfy!
Now go ahead and gather your ingredients because this comforting bowl of goodness awaits you! Get ready to impress friends or simply indulge yourself in an epic culinary adventure filled with laughterβand maybe even a few spilled beans along the way!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing onions and garlic for depth of flavor, then add ham and beans before simmering. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines through in a delicious harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the beans for lentils or add extra veggies like carrots or kale. A dash of hot sauce can also spice things up if youβre feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store ham and bean soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to maintain its delicious flavors.
When I first made ham and bean soup for my family, they all gathered around with big smiles, asking for secondsβitβs a memory I cherish every time I whip this up!
FAQ
Can I use canned beans for ham and bean soup?
Yes, canned beans are convenient; just rinse them before using to reduce sodium.
How long does ham and bean soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it lasts about five days in the refrigerator without losing quality.
What can I serve with ham and bean soup?
Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Ham and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Savor the comforting flavors of this easy ham and bean soup, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. A hearty dish that warms both the heart and soul!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sautΓ© the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Stir in the diced ham and Great Northern beans; mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves along with thyme or rosemary.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove bay leaves before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, soak beans overnight before cooking to enhance their texture. - Feel free to customize by adding extra veggies like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
