Chunky Ham and Bean Soup

Alright folks, today we’re chowing down on the perfect winter warmer – Chunky Ham and Bean Soup! This soul-satisfying, hearty soup is a comforting bundle of joy, one that’ll make your taste buds dance. This hearty bowl of yum is perfect for cozy family dinners, hangouts with friends, or as your ‘secret weapon’ comfort food. Y’all gonna love how the smoky ham marries the creamy beans to give you that “mmm-mmm” feeling with every spoonful. Now, let’s serve up the essentials.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins
• Servings: 6 servings
• Yield: 2.5 quarts

The great thing about Chunky Ham and Bean Soup is how forgiving it is in terms of timing – the longer it simmers, the better it gets! On that note, let’s dive in and check out the goods you’ll need to whip up this marvelous meal.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 diced onion
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 ham bone
• 1 lb dried navy beans
• 8 cups of water
• Salt and pepper

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Knife for chopping
• Liquid measuring cup

The carrot, celery, and onion combo (aka the holy trinity) creates a flavor base that no soup can do without. The ham bone’s richness and smoky aroma add depth to the soup, while the beans bring an earthy creaminess that’s simply divine. Feel free to swap out the navy beans for Great Northern beans or cannellini beans if you want. These substitutes are equally swell and they’ll offer a slightly different, yet still delicious taste.

How To Make Chunky Ham and Bean Soup

1. First off, we need to prep those fragrant veggies! Dice up the carrots, celery, and onions. Mince the garlic up nice and fine too.
2. Next, let’s bring the pot into play. Fire up the stove and heat your large pot. Add a drizzle of oil, then saut�� the vegetables until the onions are translucent
3. Throw in the ham bone and dried beans, then pour in the water. Now let it simmer away, absorbing all the divine flavors.
4. Patience is key with a killer soup like this. Cook it on low heat for at least 2 hours or until the beans are tender and yummy.
5. For the final touches, season with salt and pepper. Be bold, but remember ��� you can always add more, but you can’t remove!

Tips For The Best Results

• Go low and slow ��� allowing the soup to simmer for longer will deepen the flavors.
• Don’t skimp on the holy trinity! The right balance of onion, celery, and carrot is key.

Storage Tips

• Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Best to store the soup in an airtight container or resealable bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other beans for this recipe?

A: Sure thing! Great Northern or cannellini beans are excellent.

Q: What if I don’t have a ham bone?

A: No problem. You can use a smoked ham hock instead or even diced ham.

Q: Can I use fresh beans instead of dried?

A: Absolutely. Be aware though that the cooking time might be a bit different.

Q: Can I freeze the soup?

A: Indeed, you can. The soup holds up well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Sure, just leave out the ham bone. You might want to boost the flavor with some veggie stock though.

Nutritional Facts of Chunky Ham and Bean Soup

Let’s keep things real. Soup’s generally a healthier choice. While it is loaded up with vitamin-rich veggies and fiber from the beans, note that it has some sodium from the ham.

In conclusion, this Chunky Ham and Bean Soup is a belly-filling, heartwarming dish where every spoonful delivers comfort and nostalgia. It’s perfect served with some fresh crusty bread to soak up all that heavenly soup. Give this a go, and remember ��� food is all about sharing, so make enough to share with your loved ones. Enjoy!