Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe: Comforting and Easy to Make
Ingredients:
- ½ tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 (15.5 oz) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lb bone-in ham steak
Preparation:
This Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a nourishing meal. Packed with flavorful ham, tender beans, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious, warming dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Start by heating ½ tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 ribs of chopped celery, and 3 peeled and chopped carrots. Sauté until the onion and celery soften, about 6-7 minutes. This step builds the soup’s flavorful base.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground white pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aromatic flavors.
Next, pour in 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 cans of rinsed and drained white beans, and 2 bay leaves. Slice the 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lb bone-in ham steak into sections and add it to the pot, including the ham bone. Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the ham from the pot and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any fat, skin, the ham bone, and the bay leaves. Return the ham to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season to taste with extra black pepper, crushed red pepper, or thyme if desired.
For a creamy texture, puree a small portion of the soup using a handheld immersion blender or a stand blender. Remember to remove the inner cap when blending hot liquids for safety.
Serve this Ham and Bean Soup hot and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion and pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
