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Every time I make this White Bean and Ham Soup, it warms my heart and fills my kitchen with the most delightful aroma. I can still remember my mother stirring a big pot of this soup on those chilly Sunday afternoons. We would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, with bowls of soup in hand. It truly brings back the comfort of family and home. Now, as a woman in my fifties living in a cozy rural area, I find joy in creating those same memories with my own family. I can already envision you, cozying up with a bowl of this delicious soup on a chilly day, feeling that warmth spread from your heart to your fingertips. Once you try it, I promise you’ll feel that same love and comfort!
How to Make White Bean and Ham Soup
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty soup. I love to keep things simple, so I’ve listed out everything clearly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White beans (such as cannellini or great northern) | 1 pound, soaked overnight |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Carrots | 2, chopped |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Ham hock or diced ham | 1 pound |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | chopped |
Personal note: I often sneak in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme! It makes the soup smell and taste even better!
Cooking Steps
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Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious soup. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each one!
1. Soak the Beans
First things first, you need to soak your beans overnight. This helps to soften them up for cooking. Trust me, you’ll get a better texture in your soup if you do this step!
2. Prepare Your Vegetables
The next step is prepping your vegetables. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery into nice, small pieces. The smell of these veggies sautéing is just heavenly and brings back so many memories for me.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a big pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft. Can you smell that? It’s a fragrance that just lifts your spirits!
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4. Add Garlic
Now, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for another minute or two. Be careful not to burn it; you want it fragrant, not bitter!
5. Stir in the Beans
Once your vegetables are perfectly sautéed, add the soaked and drained white beans straight into the pot. It’s starting to look delicious already!
6. Add the Ham
Next, toss in your ham hock or diced ham. This will give the soup that rich, savory taste we all love.
7. Pour in the Chicken Broth
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Now it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour it in gently, taking care to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom of the pot. This is where all the goodness is!
8. Season the Soup
Add in your dried thyme and bay leaf. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste! A little seasoning can go a long way in making the flavors pop.
9. Bring to a Boil
Turn up the heat and bring your soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens!
10. Shred the Ham
If you used a ham hock, now’s the time to remove it from the pot. Shred the meat away from the bone, and return it to the soup. This adds extra flavor and heartiness!
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11. Final Seasoning
Taste your soup and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes, I add a bit more thyme at this stage for a burst of flavor.
12. Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each one with some fresh parsley. Ah, it looks so inviting!
Why I Love Making This Dish
What makes this White Bean and Ham Soup so special for me is the memories wrapped up in each bowl. It’s a dish that brings my family together. On cold nights, when the wind howls outside, a steaming bowl of this soup feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s easy to make, and I love how I can throw everything in the pot and let it simmer away. It feels personal and heartwarming, like a little piece of my past coming alive in my kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To make this dish, you will want to have a good-sized pot or Dutch oven. A really strong wooden spoon is helpful for stirring everything together, and a good knife for chopping your veggies is essential.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Soak your beans overnight. Don’t skip this part! It makes everything so much better.
- Gather your veggies and chop them up.
- Sauté those veggies until soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic. Smells delightful, doesn’t it?
- Mix in the beans and ham. Yum!
- Pour in that rich broth. It’s all coming together!
- Season to taste. This is your masterpiece!
- Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Let those flavors mingle beautifully.
- Add more seasoning if needed before serving.
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure to soak your beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and have the right texture.
- If you don’t have a ham hock, diced ham works just fine! Use leftover ham from a holiday if you have it.
- When sautéing, take your time – it’s all about building flavor.
- Adjust seasonings as you go; everyone’s taste is different!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love serving this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. If you want to add a little something extra, why not whip up some cornbread on the side? It’s a perfect companion that soaks up all the delicious broth.
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Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (not always guaranteed in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup actually tastes even better the next day! Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
FAQ Section
Can I use canned beans instead?
You certainly can! If you’re short on time, use about 3 cans of white beans. Just rinse and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have a ham hock?
No worries at all! Diced ham will work just as well. You can even use a smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It’s a great dish to make ahead of time. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat it gently.
Conclusion
I really hope you give this comforting White Bean and Ham Soup a try! It has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and love that comes with it. When you serve it to your loved ones, I have no doubt they’ll enjoy it just as much as my family does. Please let me know how it turns out, and don’t be surprised if your family goes back for seconds. Happy cooking, my friends!