Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is made with tender ham, creamy Great Northern beans, and a flavorful broth. It is a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays or to enjoy as a main course any time of the year. The combination of the smoky ham and the earthy beans creates a rich and satisfying flavor that will warm you from the inside out.
To make Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup, you will need a few key ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the ham. You can use a bone-in ham or ham hocks for added flavor. The Great Northern beans are soaked overnight to ensure they are tender and cook evenly. Other essential ingredients include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken broth, which all add depth and complexity to the soup. A variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper, are added to enhance the flavor even more. The result is a delicious and comforting soup that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
The Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup is made using the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ham, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 pound of great northern beans, soaked and drained
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
This soup is hearty and filling, with the ham providing a savory flavor while the beans add a creamy texture. The onions and garlic add depth to the soup, while the carrots and celery add a hint of sweetness. The chicken broth serves as the base of the soup, while the bay leaf and dried thyme offer a subtle aromatic profile. Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and comforting Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup
Preparing a delicious and hearty Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup is a simple process with the following steps:
- Soak the beans overnight: Place the dried Great Northern beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step helps to soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
- Cook the ham and vegetables: In a large pot, combine diced ham, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook them over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly tender. This will create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the soaked beans and broth: Drain the soaked beans and rinse them well. Add the beans to the pot along with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
- Remove and shred the ham: Before serving the soup, remove the ham bone and any excess fat. Shred the ham into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. Serve the Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup hot and enjoy!
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily make a delicious and comforting Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup that will delight your taste buds.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup
When making a delicious Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup, professional chefs recommend the following tips to enhance the flavor and texture:
- Choose quality ingredients: Use smoked ham hocks or ham bones for added depth of flavor. Opt for fresh, dry Great Northern beans for the best results.
- Soak the beans: Soaking the beans overnight in cold water can help soften them and reduce cooking time. If you don’t have time to soak the beans, you can use the quick soaking method by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit off the heat for an hour.
- Pre-cook the ham: Boiling the ham hocks or bones separately before adding them to the soup allows you to remove any excess salt and impurities, resulting in a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Season wisely: Add aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the soup base along with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Be cautious with adding additional salt, as the ham already provides a salty flavor.
By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and hearty Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup that will impress your family and friends.
Reviews
The “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” was an absolute delight to prepare and savor. As someone who enjoys hearty and flavorful soups, this recipe exceeded my expectations. The combination of tender ham and creamy white beans created a rich and savory base that was incredibly satisfying.
Firstly, the soup was very easy to make. The recipe provided clear instructions and the preparation time was minimal, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal. The ingredients were readily available and affordable, which is always a plus.
When the soup was simmering on the stove, the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. The flavors developed beautifully as the ham infused its smoky and salty essence into the broth. The Great Northern beans provided a creamy texture and offered a subtle nutty flavor that complemented the ham perfectly.
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor in this soup. The combination of ingredients created a well-balanced and satisfying dish. Each spoonful was a true delight, with the tender ham, creamy beans, and fragrant broth dancing on my taste buds. It offered a comforting and filling meal, perfect for a chilly winter evening.
In conclusion, the “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” exceeded my expectations in terms of taste, ease of preparation, and overall satisfaction. It is a recipe that I will definitely be making again, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying soup.
I recently tried the Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup recipe and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations. The combination of tender ham chunks and creamy white beans created a rich and comforting soup that was perfect for a chilly winter evening.
The recipe was incredibly easy to follow and required minimal prep time. I simply soaked the Great Northern beans overnight and then cooked them with the diced ham, onions, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth. The soup simmered on the stove for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become soft and tender.
I was impressed with how hearty and filling the soup turned out to be. Each spoonful was packed with chunks of ham and creamy white beans, creating a satisfying and substantial meal. The flavors were well-balanced, with the saltiness of the ham complementing the earthiness of the beans and the sweetness of the vegetables. I found myself going back for seconds and even thirds!
I also appreciated the versatility of this recipe. While it makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, I could see myself serving it as a starter for a dinner party or even as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. It is an incredibly comforting and nourishing dish that can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences by adding other herbs or spices.
In conclusion, the Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup recipe is a winner in my book. It is flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious homemade soup.
I recently tried the “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” recipe and it was absolutely delicious. As a lover of hearty soups, this recipe definitely did not disappoint. The combination of tender ham and flavorful Great Northern beans created a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were simple yet packed with flavor. The ham added a rich and savory element to the soup, while the Great Northern beans provided a creamy and smooth texture. I especially enjoyed the addition of vegetables such as carrots and celery, which added a freshness and crunch to the dish.
One thing that stood out to me about this recipe was how filling it was. The soup was thick and satisfying, making it a perfect meal on its own. It’s also a great option for meal prep as it reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Overall, I highly recommend trying the “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” recipe. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup.
I recently tried the “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” recipe and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and hearty it turned out to be. The combination of tender ham and creamy beans made for a satisfying and comforting meal.
The recipe was easy to follow and didn’t require many ingredients, which was perfect for me as I like simple and straightforward recipes. The ham added a nice smoky flavor to the soup, while the Great Northern beans provided a creamy and velvety texture. I also liked the addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, as they added a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the soup.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this soup is that it is a complete meal on its own. It is packed with protein from the ham and beans, and the vegetables give it a nutritious boost. I found it to be very filling and satisfying, and it kept me full for hours.
The soup also reheated well, so I was able to enjoy it for a few days. It made for a great lunch or dinner option, especially during the colder months. Overall, I would highly recommend trying the “Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup” recipe if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to prepare. It’s a winner in my book!
I recently had the pleasure of making and tasting the Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup and it was absolutely delicious. The combination of the tender ham and the creamy great northern beans created a hearty and comforting soup that was perfect for a chilly winter evening.
The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were readily available at my local grocery store. I started by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot until they were softened, then added in the diced ham and garlic. The smell of the ham cooking with the vegetables was mouthwatering. Next, I added in the great northern beans, chicken broth, and a few spices like thyme and bay leaves. I let the soup simmer for about an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together.
When it was finally time to dig in, I was blown away by the taste. The ham was perfectly cooked and added a smoky and salty flavor to the soup. The great northern beans were creamy and tender, and paired well with the vegetables. The broth was rich and flavorful, thanks to the spices and the ham. Each spoonful was pure comfort and warmth.
I also loved the versatility of this soup. I enjoyed it as a main dish, served with some crusty bread on the side. It would also make a great appetizer or side dish when entertaining guests. The leftovers were just as delicious, and the flavors seemed to deepen and develop even more overnight.
All in all, the Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup was a winner in my book. It was easy to make, packed with flavor, and comforting to the soul. I will definitely be making this recipe again in the future, especially during the colder months. I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious soup.
