3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Build the Soup Base
Add the soaked beans, ham, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the ingredients, and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham is falling apart.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup after it has simmered and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also add a pinch of paprika for a slight smoky kick. If the soup seems too thick, you can thin it with additional broth or water.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded, remove the ham bone if you used one, and shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
Customization Ideas for Your Ham and Bean Soup
While our classic Hearty Ham and Bean Soup recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also highly adaptable to your personal tastes. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Add Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or collard greens during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup.
Swap the Beans: While Great Northern beans are a classic choice, you can use other varieties like navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans for a different texture and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can add extra vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for additional flavor.
Health Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup
This hearty soup not only warms your soul but also provides a wealth of nutritional benefits. The beans in this soup are a powerhouse of fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein, making this soup a satisfying and complete meal.
Ham, especially lean cuts, adds high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12, while the vegetables offer antioxidants and vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the celery. Plus, this soup is low in fat and can be made even healthier by using lean ham and reducing added salt.
Continued on next page 👇(page 3)👇
