Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Introduction: Step into a world of warmth and flavor with our Hearty Ham and Bean Soup, a beloved classic that soothes the soul and delights the palate. Crafted with care and infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this nourishing soup is a testament to the timeless appeal of homemade comfort food. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as a satisfying meal any time of day, this recipe promises to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 (15.5 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 lb bone-in ham steak

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the onion and celery have softened, about 6-7 minutes.
2. Infuse Flavor: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, ground cumin, ground white pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aromatic flavors.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, brown sugar, rinsed and drained white beans, and bay leaves. Slice the ham steak into sections that will fit in the pot, including the ham bone. Let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from the pot and cut it into bite-size pieces. Discard any fat, skin, and the ham bone, along with the bay leaves. Return the diced ham to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Season the soup to taste with additional black pepper, crushed red pepper, or thyme, if desired. For a creamy texture, consider pureeing a small portion of the soup with a handheld immersion blender or in a stand blender, remembering to remove the inner cap when blending hot liquids.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving – 1 cup)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 17g

Tips for Success:

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the soup.
• To save time, use pre-cooked ham or leftover holiday ham instead of a bone-in ham steak.
• Make this soup ahead of time and allow the flavors to meld even further by reheating it the next day.
• Freeze any leftovers in individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.

Note:

This Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is not only a delicious and comforting meal but also highly versatile and customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some additional considerations and suggestions to enhance your soup-making experience:

1. Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on availability or personal preference. You can use different types of beans such as navy beans, cannellini beans, or black beans. Additionally, consider substituting the ham steak with smoked turkey or bacon for a unique twist.
2. Adjusting Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning levels according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor profile, reduce the amount of ground cumin or omit the crushed red pepper altogether.
3. Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the ham steak and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
4. Texture Variation: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher before adding the ham back into the pot. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender for a smoother consistency.
5. Garnish Ideas: Get creative with garnishes to add visual appeal and extra flavor to your soup. Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can be delightful additions. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving for an indulgent touch.
6. Storage and Reheating: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When reheating, simply thaw if frozen and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
7. Enjoying Leftovers: Leftover soup makes for a convenient and satisfying meal option for busy days. Pack individual servings in microwave-safe containers for a quick lunch at work or school. You can also repurpose any leftover soup by using it as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or pasta dishes.