Imagine a steaming bowl of bean soup, rich with the aroma of savory ham mingling with earthy beans and the sweet scent of simmered vegetables.
There’s something about the simplicity of this dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort.
It’s incredibly easy to make, with the humble ham bone transforming ordinary beans into a hearty, flavorful delight.
Let’s bring this cozy bowl of goodness to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried beans, mixed
- 1 ham bone
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Bean Soup with Ham Bone, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Organizing (10 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris.
- Chop the large onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery.
- Cooking Process:
- Start Cooking (0 minutes):
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables (10 minutes):
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened (approximately 10 minutes).
- Add Ham Bone & Water (5 minutes):
- Add the ham bone to the pot.
- Pour in 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Cook Beans (2 to 2.5 hours):
- Add the rinsed beans, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender.
- Post-Cooking (15 minutes):
- Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool.
- Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt to taste.
- Let the soup rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Remember to adjust seasoning to your taste, and be cautious with salt since the ham bone might already add enough saltiness to the soup.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Add the ham bone to the pot.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
Add the dried beans, thyme, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender.
Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool.
Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
Season the soup with salt to taste.
Let the soup rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful soup.
- Green Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad to add a revitalizing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Cornbread: Complement the soup with a slice of sweet cornbread for a touch of Southern flair.
- Pickles: Add a side of pickles for a tangy bite that balances the savory flavors of the soup.
- Cheese Tray: Offer a small cheese tray with mild and sharp cheeses for a rich and creamy accompaniment.
Storage
Allow the bean soup with ham bone to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Alternatively, freeze for 3 months for ideal freshness.
Freezing
To freeze bean soup with ham bone, cool it completely.
Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with date.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat bean soup with ham bone, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use a microwave.
Cover the bowl to prevent splatters.
Final Thoughts
Bean soup with a ham bone is a classic, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table.
It’s perfect for using up leftover ham and makes a nutritious meal packed with flavor.
The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Remember to adjust the seasoning carefully, as the ham bone can add a significant amount of saltiness.
Enjoy this delightful soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for quicker results. Drain and rinse them, then add during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method enhances flavor without compromising the soup’s rich, hearty texture and savory aroma.
What Substitutes Can I Use for Ham Bone?
You can replace the ham bone with smoked turkey wings or a ham hock for that rich, savory depth. Imagine the aroma of slow-cooked flavors infusing your kitchen, creating a comforting, hearty bowl of deliciousness.
How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, replace the ham bone with smoked paprika for depth, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Sauté mushrooms for an umami boost. Taste, adjust seasonings, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors.
What Other Spices Can Enhance the Flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika for depth, cumin for warmth, or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness. Experiment to create your own aromatic masterpiece.
Can I Cook This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
You can absolutely use a slow cooker! Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first for depth. Transfer to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and set on low for 8-10 hours. Enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen.
Bean Soup with Ham Bone
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried beans mixed
- 1 ham bone
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the ham bone to the pot.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
- Add the dried beans, thyme, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool.
- Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt to taste.
- Let the soup rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
