Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe

Perfect Ham and Bean Soup

Prepare yourself for a hearty, soul-warming bowl of Perfect Ham and Bean Soup, a classic comfort food that’s simply irresistible, especially when you have leftover ham and a ham hock just waiting to be used. This recipe, cherished for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, is crafted to ensure that every spoonful is brimming with robust taste and comfort. 🍲

Ingredients:

• 1 cup great northern beans (rinsed and sorted)
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups leftover ham (diced)
• 1 ham hock
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 cup carrot (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 2 bay leaves

Preparation and Cooking Times:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beans: Begin by rinsing and sorting the great northern beans, removing any debris or broken beans. Place the beans in a large saucepan and cover them with 8 cups of water. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat.

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2. Soak the Beans: Once boiling, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water and beans, then remove the pan from heat. Let the beans sit in the hot water for 1 hour to soften and absorb flavors.

3. Add the Flavor Base: After the beans have soaked, carefully drain the water and set the beans aside. Return the saucepan to the stove and add the ham hock, chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, mustard powder, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in 8 cups of fresh water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the ham hock to impart its rich taste.

5. Finish the Soup: After the initial simmer, remove the ham hock from the pot. Discard any skin and bones, and shred the meat. Return the shredded ham to the pot. Stir the soup to incorporate the ham evenly.

6. Final Touches: Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes to ensure all ingredients are tender and flavors are fully developed. Remove the bay leaves and season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste. Give the soup a final stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy this deliciously comforting ham and bean soup, a dish that turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special treat on a chilly day, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection! 🍲✨