What To Know
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
- Deglaze the skillet with a cup of dark beer before adding the vegetables for a rich and malty depth.
- A ham bone with a good amount of meat on it will provide the most flavor.
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of homemade ham and bean soup, a classic comfort food that’s both nourishing and utterly satisfying. This detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process, empowering you to create this culinary masterpiece from scratch.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone (about 1 pound)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
Prepare the Beans:
1. In a large bowl, combine the beans and cold water. Cover and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
Simmer the Ham Bone:
1. Place the ham bone in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Cover with 6 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
Sauté the Vegetables:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Combine the Ingredients:
1. Add the sautéed vegetables, drained beans, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the stockpot with the ham bone.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
3. (Optional) Stir in the diced tomatoes for added flavor.
Season and Adjust:
1. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Add additional salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy:
1. Remove the ham bone and discard.
2. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Enhancing Your Ham and Bean Soup:
- Add a kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
- Incorporate vegetables: Enhance the soup with chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use a smoked ham hock: For a more intense smoky flavor, substitute the ham bone with a smoked ham hock.
- Add a splash of beer: Deglaze the skillet with a cup of dark beer before adding the vegetables for a rich and malty depth.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives for a vibrant and herbaceous finish.
Troubleshooting:
- Beans are still hard: Extend the simmering time or add more water if the beans are not yet tender.
- Soup is too thick: Thin out the soup with additional chicken broth or water.
- Soup is too bland: Season more aggressively with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Soup is too salty: Balance the flavor by adding a touch of sugar or honey.
- Soup is sour: The beans may have been oversoaked. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
Ham and Bean Soup: Beyond the Basics:
1. Slow Cooker Method: Prepare the soup as directed and transfer it to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Instant Pot Method: Sauté the vegetables in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before serving.
3. Ham and Bean Soup with Cornbread: Elevate your soup by serving it alongside freshly baked cornbread. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.
4. Ham and Bean Soup with Biscuits: Prepare flaky biscuits to accompany your soup. The warm and fluffy biscuits will soak up the flavorful broth.
What You Need to Know
- Can I use fresh beans instead of dried beans? Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
- Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight? Soaking helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
- What type of ham bone should I use? A ham bone with a good amount of meat on it will provide the most flavor.
- How can I store leftover ham and bean soup? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I freeze ham and bean soup? Yes, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
