Basic Ham and Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This classic recipe is made with simple ingredients, including ham, beans, vegetables, and spices. The soup is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few simple steps. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, and the flavors only get better as the soup simmers on the stove.
To make Basic Ham and Bean Soup, you will need a few key ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the ham. You can use any type of ham you prefer, such as a ham bone, leftover ham from a holiday meal, or even diced ham from the store. The ham adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy beans.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make Basic Ham and Bean Soup are:
- Dried beans – You can use any variety of dried beans for this soup, such as navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans. Be sure to soak the beans overnight before cooking to help soften them and reduce the cooking time.
- Ham hock – The ham hock adds a rich and smoky flavor to the soup. It also helps to thicken the broth as it cooks. If you don’t have a ham hock, you can substitute it with diced ham or bacon.
- Vegetables – You will need onion, carrots, and celery to add flavor and texture to the soup. These vegetables can be chopped and added to the soup while it cooks.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the soup. You can use fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic from a jar.
- Herbs and spices – The soup can be seasoned with dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – The broth serves as the base for the soup and adds moisture and flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought broth.
- Water – Water is used to cook the beans and help create a flavorful broth. Additionally, you may need to add more water to the soup as it cooks to achieve the desired consistency.
These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store and are essential for making a delicious and hearty soup. Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Basic Ham and Bean Soup
To make a delicious Basic Ham and Bean Soup, you will need to follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Soak the beans.
- Sauté the vegetables.
- Add the ham and beans to the pot.
- Simmer the soup.
- Season and serve.
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe, including dried white beans, a ham hock or leftover ham bone, diced ham, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper. Chop the vegetables and dice the ham before you begin cooking.
Next, soak the dried beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This will help to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse the beans before using them in the recipe.
In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. These sautéed vegetables will add flavor to the soup.
Add the ham hock or leftover ham bone, diced ham, soaked beans, bay leaves, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Skim off any foam that may rise to the surface while simmering.
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock or bone and bay leaves from the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional herbs or spices if desired. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving.
To serve, ladle the hot Basic Ham and Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This comforting and hearty soup makes a perfect meal on a chilly day.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Basic Ham and Bean Soup
When making a basic ham and bean soup, there are several tips from professional chefs that can help elevate the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Use dried beans for a richer and creamier soup. Soak the beans overnight before cooking to help reduce the cooking time.
- For added depth of flavor, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter before adding the ham and beans.
- Consider adding aromatics such as bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary to the soup while cooking to enhance the overall taste.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a portion of the soup in a blender before adding it back to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking to ensure the flavors are well balanced.
- Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a hearty and satisfying meal.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and comforting ham and bean soup that will impress your family and friends.
Reviews
I recently tried making the Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe and I have to say, it turned out absolutely delicious! The combination of tender ham and hearty beans created a comforting and satisfying meal that was perfect for a chilly night. The flavors were well-balanced, with the ham adding a savory richness and the beans providing a creamy texture.
The recipe itself was very easy to follow, which was great for someone like me who is not the most experienced in the kitchen. All the ingredients were readily available and the instructions were clear and concise. I appreciated that the recipe called for simple and wholesome ingredients, without any unnecessary additives or processed foods.
The finished soup had a wonderful aroma that filled my kitchen, making it even more enticing. It was packed with flavor and had a nice thickness that made it hearty without being too heavy. I served it with some fresh crusty bread and it was the perfect meal to warm me up on a cold evening. I will definitely be making this soup again in the future!
This Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe is an absolute winner! As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I am always looking for new and delicious recipes to try. When I stumbled upon this one, I knew I had to give it a go. I’m happy to report that it did not disappoint!
The combination of the savory ham and the creamy beans creates a rich and hearty soup that is perfect for those chilly winter nights. The recipe itself is incredibly simple, with just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The instructions are easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner cooks or those looking for a quick and fuss-free meal.
One of the things I loved most about this soup is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding in additional spices or vegetables. I decided to add some diced carrots and celery to mine, which added a nice crunch and a pop of color. I also added a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for some added freshness. It was the perfect finishing touch.
All in all, I highly recommend giving this Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe a try. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this soup is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get cooking!
I recently tried making the Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe and it turned out to be absolutely delicious. The combination of the tender ham and the creamy beans created a hearty and comforting soup that was perfect for a cold winter evening. The recipe was incredibly easy to follow, with clear instructions that allowed me to make the soup without any difficulties.
One thing that stood out to me about this recipe was the amount of flavor that was packed into each spoonful. The ham provided a smoky and savory taste, while the beans added a creamy and earthy flavor. The addition of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery added a subtle sweetness and a nice crunch to the soup. I also loved the use of thyme and bay leaves, which added a hint of herbiness to the overall flavor profile.
The soup was incredibly filling and satisfying, and I found myself going back for seconds. I also appreciated how versatile the recipe was – I could easily customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit my taste. Overall, I highly recommend trying the Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe. It’s a simple and classic dish that is sure to please anyone who tries it.
I recently tried the Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of tender ham and hearty beans made for a satisfying and comforting meal. The flavors were well-balanced and the soup had a nice thickness to it. It was the perfect dish for a cold winter evening.
One thing I really liked about this recipe was how easy it was to prepare. The ingredients were simple and easy to find, and the cooking process was straightforward. I appreciated that I didn’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make a flavorful and filling soup. The recipe also provided helpful tips for soaking the beans beforehand, which ensured they cooked evenly and were perfectly tender.
The soup had a rich and smoky flavor from the ham, which added a depth of flavor to the dish. The beans were soft and creamy, and they absorbed the flavors of the broth beautifully. I loved how the soup had a slight sweetness to it, thanks to the carrots and onions. It was a well-rounded and comforting bowl of soup that I would definitely make again.
