Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup is a classic, comforting dish that mixes soft beans, flavorful ham, and fragrant greens. It’s best for using leftover ham or a ham bone, and it’s each filling and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 cup dried white beans (cannellini, military, or amazing northern), soaked overnight

1–2 cups cooked ham, diced (or a ham bone)

1 medium onion, chopped

2–3 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1–2 sprigs clean thyme)

Salt and black pepper, to flavor

1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and rinse them very well. This helps get rid of extra starch and guarantees even cooking.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, warmness the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for five–7 minutes till the greens are smooth and aromatic. Add the minced garlic and cook dinner for every other minute, taking care now not to burn it.

3. Add Ham and Beans: Stir within the diced ham or ham bone and the tired beans. If the usage of a ham bone, it will add wealthy taste to the soup as it simmers.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour inside the bird or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-excessive warmth, then lessen the warmth to low and let it simmer.

5. Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot partly and permit the soup simmer for 1–1.5 hours, or till the beans are tender. Stir now and again to save you sticking. If using a ham bone, the meat will soften and may be shredded into the soup later.

 6. Season and Finish: Remove the bay leaf and the ham bone if used. Taste and regulate the seasoning with salt and black pepper. For a thicker, creamier texture, mash some beans towards the facet of the pot and stir.

 It pairs flawlessly with crusty bread or a simple inexperienced salad.

Tips for a Better Soup

Quick Version: Use 2 cans of tired white beans instead of dried beans to reduce cooking time to approximately half-hour.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the cease to brighten the flavors.

Vegetable Variation: Add potatoes, leeks, or green beans for additonal heartiness.

Leftovers: This soup tastes even higher tomorrow as the flavors meld. It freezes nicely for destiny meals.

It’s best for a cold day, own family gatherings, or a meal prep choice. Its aggregate of gentle beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables makes it pleasant and healthful.