Description
Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup
Ingredients:
2 cups dried white beans (or 3 cups canned, rinsed)
200g diced ham
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans (if using dried):
Soak dried beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse before use
.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil
.
Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes
.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add ham, beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot
.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours (if using dried beans) or 30 minutes (if using canned beans).
4. Season:
Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste
.
5. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with a slice of bread
.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect soup every time. Start by soaking your dried beans overnight in a large bowl of cold water. This crucial step reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest. The next day, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. In your large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Now, add the soaked beans, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. If using canned beans, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic combination, serve it with thick, crusty bread or warm, buttery cornbread for dipping. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness. For a heartier meal, consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of pesto, or a dash of hot sauce. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
How-to Summary
In brief: Soak dried beans overnight. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Combine all ingredients (including pre-soaked beans and ham) in a pot with broth and herbs. Simmer until beans are tender. Season, garnish, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I use instead of ham? A ham bone (add it with the broth and remove before serving), diced smoked sausage, or even a Parmesan rind for a vegetarian umami boost are excellent substitutes.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Why are my beans still hard? This is often due to old beans, hard water, or acidic ingredients added too early. Always use fresh dried beans and add salt or tomatoes only after the beans are fully tender.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, it freezes very well. Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding salt too early: Salting the broth at the beginning can prevent dried beans from softening. Always season with salt at the end of cooking.
- Using old dried beans: Beans older than a year may never soften properly. Purchase from stores with high turnover.
- Boiling instead of simmering: A rapid boil will break the beans apart and make the broth cloudy. Maintain a gentle, low simmer.
- Skipping the vegetable sauté: This step builds the foundational flavor. Do not simply boil all ingredients together from the start.
Conclusion
This Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup is the epitome of comforting, nourishing home cooking. It’s a flexible recipe that rewards a little patience with deep, satisfying flavors perfect for any chilly day. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a classic dish that is both simple to make and impressive to serve. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.