Ham & Bean Soup Secrets: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe Revealed

Simple Recipe Box

Welcome back to the Simple Recipe Box podcast! I'm your host, Ben Harper, and today we're diving into a classic comfort food that's perfect for any season – Ham and Bean Soup. This dish is not only heartwarming but packed with flavors that will make your taste buds sing. So, let's get cooking!

First up, let's talk ingredients. You'll need dried great northern beans, a smoked ham hock or bone-in ham steak, onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and some fresh parsley for garnish. These ingredients meld together to create a soup that’s rich in flavor and perfect for cozy evenings.

Now, onto the preparation. Start by soaking your beans overnight. This is crucial as it helps to soften the beans and makes them easier to digest. If you're short on time, there's a quick soak method too. Just boil your beans for a few minutes, then let them sit for an hour.

Next, cook your ham. Place it in a pot, cover with water, and simmer until tender. This process not only cooks the meat but also infuses the broth with a delicious smoky flavor. Once cooked, shred the ham, discarding any bones and excess fat.

For the soup, drain your soaked beans and add them to the pot with the ham broth. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the beans are tender. This slow cooking is the secret to those deep, melded flavors.

Once your beans are soft, add the shredded ham back into the pot. Give it a good stir and let it heat through. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. And there you have it—a pot full of delicious Ham and Bean Soup!

Before we wrap up, let's quickly talk about serving and storing. Serve your soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. And if you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

And there you go, folks! A simple yet delightful Ham and Bean Soup that's sure to comfort and satisfy. Remember, cooking is not just about feeding the body but also warming the soul. Thanks for tuning in, and happy cooking! Join me next time on Simple Recipe Box for more tasty adventures.

For the full recipe, visit our website: Ham and Bean Soup.