Nourishing Comfort: A Hearty Bean Soup with Ham Bone Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition? Look no further than our classic Bean Soup with Ham Bone recipe. This hearty dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use leftover ham bone, reducing food waste. Let's dive into the details of this satisfying soup.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Before we start, let's gather our ingredients and take a look at the nutritional breakdown of this soup.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried beans (e.g., navy, pinto, or cannellini) | 1 lb (454g) |
| Ham bone with some meat attached | 1 |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme | 1 tsp (dried) or 1 tbsp (fresh) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Water or vegetable broth | 8 cups (1.9L) |
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Fiber: 10g
- Vitamin A: 30% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's prepare and cook this delightful soup.
Soaking and Cooking the Beans
Start by sorting and rinsing the dried beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, ham bone, and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
Sautéing the Vegetables
While the beans are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combining and Simmering
Once the beans are tender, use tongs to remove the ham bone from the pot. Add the sautéed vegetables, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Return the ham bone to the pot, adding it back in will allow the soup to absorb even more flavor. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Seasoning and Serving
Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the ham bone and bay leaves before serving. If desired, you can shred any remaining meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy your hearty, comforting Bean Soup with Ham Bone!
