Introduction
Get cozy with this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup, the ultimate comfort dinner that’ll warm your soul! Perfect for those chilly evenings, this soup is a delightful blend of flavors that come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ll enjoy the magic of a truly comforting meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ham, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery, and cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and diced ham. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting those flavors meld.
3. Add navy beans, chicken broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for around 25 minutes. Let all the ingredients work their magic together.
5. Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your hearty ham and bean soup and embrace the warm, cozy feelings it brings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery, and cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Stir in minced garlic and diced ham. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting those flavors meld.
Step 3:
Add navy beans, chicken broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4:
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for around 25 minutes. Let all the ingredients work their magic together.
Step 5:
Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the soup with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed.
Customization:
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients or substitute different types of beans based on your preference.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is used at the beginning to soften the onions, carrots, and celery, which builds a flavorful base for the soup. Cook these vegetables in olive oil over medium heat until they are tender.
Flavor layering
By adding the garlic and ham after the initial vegetables soften, you enhance the flavor profile of the soup. This technique helps the garlic to release its essential oils and the ham to render its fat, contributing to the overall taste.
Simmering
Simmering the soup allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. This low, slow cooking technique makes the flavors richer and helps the beans soften further, achieving a comforting texture.
Seasoning
Seasoning the soup with salt and pepper at the end of cooking allows you to fine-tune the flavor. This is important because the saltiness of the ham and broth can change the need for additional seasoning.
FAQ
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute navy beans with other beans like great northern or cannellini beans, but keep in mind that cooking times and textures may vary.
How can I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup, or add mashed beans back into the pot.
Can I freeze ham and bean soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
What can I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
