How to Make Ham and Bean Soup from Scratch
A Hearty and Delicious Meal for the Whole Family
Homemade ham and bean soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for a chilly winter’s day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious soup that is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making ham and bean soup from scratch, step by step.
The Mise en Place (Gathering of Ingredients)
Before we begin, let’s start with the Mise en Place, the French term for setting the stage or preparing the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 pound smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Soup
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start preparing the soup. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Adding the Ham and Beans
Next, add the smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the ham is lightly browned. Then, add the soaked and drained navy beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmering the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. You can also cook the soup in a slow cooker; simply brown the ham and vegetables in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Blending the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it in a blender or with an immersion blender. This will help to break down the beans and create a creamy texture.
Tasting and Adjusting
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to give the soup an extra burst of flavor and richness.
Garnishing and Serving
Finally, garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. You can also add some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal.
Tips and Variations
- Use leftover ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner, you can use it in place of the ham hock or diced cooked ham.
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick.
- Try different types of beans: You can use other types of beans, such as kidney beans or cannellini beans, in place of the navy beans.
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
In conclusion, making ham and bean soup from scratch is a straightforward and delicious process. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family. So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful soup, give this recipe a try!