Ham and Bean Soup

Welcome to my blog! Today, I want to share with you a delicious and comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul. It’s none other than the classic ham and bean soup. This homemade recipe is the epitome of comfort food, with its hearty flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this ham and bean soup will not disappoint.

Picture this: a steaming bowl of soup filled with tender beans, flavorful chunks of ham, and a medley of sautéed vegetables. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. But what sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients like dry great northern beans, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, and, of course, chopped ham, you can create a bowl of soup that is both delicious and satisfying.

There are endless ways to customize this soup to your liking. Some people like to blend a portion of the soup for added thickness, while others add celery and potatoes for extra heartiness. No matter how you choose to make it, one thing is for sure: this ham and bean soup is the ultimate comfort food.

So, if you’re looking for a homemade recipe that will warm you up on a chilly day or simply want to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal, give this ham and bean soup a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Stay tuned for more tasty recipes and culinary adventures!

How to Make Easy Ham and Bean Soup with Canned Beans

Making a delicious ham and bean soup doesn’t have to be complicated. With this easy recipe, you can create a comforting and flavorful dish using canned beans. Not only does using canned beans save you time, but it also eliminates the need for soaking, making the recipe even more convenient.

To start, gather your ingredients: sautéed vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion, along with flavorful seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and dried thyme. For the base of the soup, you’ll need chicken stock and canned beans. I recommend using Great Northern beans for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Finally, don’t forget the star ingredient – cubed ham steak – which adds a savory richness to the soup.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook. Start by sautéing the vegetables in a large pot until they become tender and fragrant. This step brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Next, add the chicken stock, canned beans, and cubed ham steak to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

To thicken the soup slightly, you can add a dash of gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour. This step is optional and can be adjusted according to your preference. Once the soup has thickened to your liking, it’s ready to be served.

This delectable ham and bean soup pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with toasted crostini, gluten-free focaccia, or a warm piece of cornbread to add some crunch and texture to your meal. For a complete and balanced meal, consider adding a side salad or sandwich to round out the flavors.

Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a chilly day, this easy ham and bean soup with canned beans is sure to satisfy your cravings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and delicious dish that will leave you feeling warm and content.

Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Stove Top: Three Ways to Make Ham and Bean Soup

When it comes to making a delicious and hearty ham and bean soup, you have three convenient options: using a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or cooking it on the stove top. No matter which method you choose, you’ll end up with a flavorful and comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a comforting meal.

“The slow cooker and Instant Pot methods offer convenience and a shorter cooking time.”

To make ham and bean soup using any of these methods, you’ll need the following main ingredients: navy beans, diced ham, carrots, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and water. These ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying soup that is sure to become a family favorite.

If you have a ham bone available, make sure to include it in your soup as it adds extra flavor to the broth. However, if you don’t have a ham bone, don’t worry! You can use alternatives like smoked ham shanks or hocks, salted pork, or even smoked bacon to achieve that delicious smoky taste.

For those who prefer the traditional stove top method, simmering the soup for at least 3 hours is essential for thickening and softening the beans. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deeply satisfying bowl of soup.

If you’re looking for convenience and a shorter cooking time, the slow cooker and Instant Pot methods are the way to go. These appliances allow you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy individuals or those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking. The slow cooker method is ideal for when you have several hours to let the flavors develop, while the Instant Pot method delivers a quick and delicious meal in a fraction of the time.

Now, let me give you a visual idea of how easy it is to make ham and bean soup using different methods.

As you can see in the image above, this slow cooker method gives you a comforting bowl of ham and bean soup with minimal effort. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it simmer away. The result is tender beans, flavorful broth, and delicious chunks of ham.

Whether you choose the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stove top method, the end result is a satisfying bowl of ham and bean soup that will warm your heart and soul. Serve it with a side of cornbread or crispy crostini for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Tips and Substitutions for Making Ham and Bean Soup

Creating a flavorful ham and bean soup doesn’t always require a ham bone. If you don’t have one on hand, you can easily substitute it with options like smoked ham shanks or hocks, salted pork, or even smoked bacon. These alternatives will infuse your soup with a delicious smoky taste, adding depth to each spoonful.

If you prefer the convenience of canned beans, they can be used instead of dried beans in your ham and bean soup. Whether you opt for Great Northern beans, white beans, pinto beans, or even split peas, canned beans will save you time and effort without compromising the flavor and texture of the soup.

To achieve a thicker consistency for your soup, you have a couple of options. One method is to blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier base. Alternatively, you can add a dash of gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour to thicken the soup slightly. The choice depends on your preference and dietary needs.

When it comes to storing and reheating your ham and bean soup, it’s important to handle it properly. Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for later use. For reheating, you have the option of using the microwave or heating it on the stove top until it reaches the desired temperature. Just make sure to cover the soup to prevent any splatters.

FAQ

What are the main ingredients for ham and bean soup?

The main ingredients for ham and bean soup include ham, beans, carrots, onions, garlic, and chicken broth.

How can I thicken ham and bean soup?

There are a few ways to thicken ham and bean soup. You can blend a portion of the soup or add a dash of gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans. Canned beans are a convenient option for making ham and bean soup.

How long can I store leftover ham and bean soup?

Leftover ham and bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.

What can I use as a substitute for a ham bone?

If a ham bone is not available, you can use smoked ham shanks or hocks, salted pork, or smoked bacon as substitutes.

How do I reheat ham and bean soup?

You can reheat ham and bean soup either in the microwave or on the stove top.