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Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A comforting and delicious ham and bean soup perfect for chilly days.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot For simmering the soup.
  • Sauté pan For sautéing onions and garlic.

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry white beans like cannellini or Great Northern
  • 2 quarts water
  • 2 pounds smoked ham shanks or hocks
  • 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onions about 1 small onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery about 2 to 3 ribs
  • 2.67 cups chopped carrots about 1 medium carrot
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 dash Tabasco sauce to taste
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 1 pinch pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the dry beans, and let them soak for about 2 hours. This step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain the water.
  • In another large pot, place the smoked ham shanks or hocks and cover them with 2 quarts of fresh water. Add the Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat, partially cover, and simmer for about an hour. This process infuses the broth with a smoky flavor.
  • In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth to the soup.
  • After simmering the ham for an hour, add the drained soaked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Cook uncovered for about 40 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the ham meat easily pulls away from the bone. Remove the ham bones, pull off any meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bones. This step ensures you have tender meat in your soup.
  • Add Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
Keyword Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe