Description
Hearty ham and bean soup recipe brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining smoky pork and creamy white beans in a soul-warming blend. Rich flavors mingle effortlessly, promising warmth with each spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound dry great northern beans
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 ham hock
Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquid:
- 8 cups water
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash dry beans and soak overnight in cold water, alternatively rapid-soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting covered for 1 hour, then drain completely.
- Combine soaked beans, water, ham hock, chopped ham, diced carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, and white pepper in a spacious soup pot.
- Heat mixture to robust boiling point over medium-high temperature, then immediately reduce to gentle simmer, covering pot and maintaining low heat for approximately 1.5-2 hours, periodically stirring contents.
- Verify bean tenderness and flavor integration, then extract ham hock, carefully separating meat from bones and fat, returning shredded meat to soup while discarding remaining bone components.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, enhancing soup consistency by either partially puréeing several soup cups or creating cornstarch slurry for additional thickness.
- Present piping hot soup accompanied by rustic crusty bread or complementary grilled cheese sandwich for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Soak beans properly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even cooking and softer texture.
- Use leftover ham bones or ham hock for deeper, richer flavor that infuses the entire soup with smoky undertones.
- Customize thickness by partially blending some beans or adding cornstarch, creating a creamy consistency without losing chunky elements.
- Adapt for dietary needs by using smoked turkey instead of ham for a leaner protein option or vegetarian broth for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 12 hours (overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg