Ham and Bean Soup

A savory and satisfying soup made with tender ham, hearty beans, and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried navy beans (or 4 cans of canned beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:

• If using dried beans, rinse them under cold water and remove any debris. Soak the beans in water overnight or use the quick-soak method: bring them to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.
• If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.

1. Cook the Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the soaked beans (or canned beans), ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and chicken broth to the pot. If using diced tomatoes, add them as well.

1. Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham is flavorful. If using canned beans, simmer for 30-45 minutes to blend the flavors.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

• Remove the ham bone (if used) and shred any remaining ham off the bone, returning the meat to the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
• Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

1. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

This Ham and Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. It’s full of flavor and makes great leftovers!