Leftover Ham and Bean Soup

Hey, foodies! Today we are turning your holiday’s leftovers into a mouthwatering, soulful delight called Leftover Ham and Bean Soup. Now, I know what you’re thinking! Leftovers again? But hold your horses! This isn’t your typical microwaved and reimaged roast. This soup is perfect for those lazy post-Christmas days when all you crave is a bowl of comfort, warmth, and the taste of holidays without the hard work. It goes without saying, this soup will be your favourite bowl of comfort during the winter season and trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you.

Brimming with the hearty goodness of beans, the savory ham, fresh veggies and a blend of mouthwatering spices, it’s a taste sensation bound to be a hit with the family. The best part? It’s easy to whip up in your kitchen, requiring simple, wholesome ingredients you’ve likely got on hand.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings

Without further ado, let���s dive into the recipe of the season. Get that apron ready, gang!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups Leftover ham cubed
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 Carrots, chopped
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup White beans
• 4 cups Ham or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

For the cooking equipment, you’ll just need a large pot for cooking the soup. The ham is the star of this dish as it provides a rich flavour to the soup. The beans and vegetables add texture and nutritional values so feel free to add any veggies you like.

How To Make Leftover Ham and Bean Soup

1. First off, pull out that large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic with some oil and saut�� till the veggies get tender. Smell that? It���s called irresistible!
2. Next, toss in the leftover ham cubes and that sound of sizzling ham is just music to my ears! Give it a quick stir and let it cook for a few minutes.
3. Time for the beans! Either canned or soaked beans work fine. Pour in your ham or chicken broth and let it simmer till the flavors blend perfectly.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t forget to give it taste to be sure!
5. Last but not least, serve and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Results

• Feel free to add more veggies like celery or bell pepper.
• You can tweak the quantity according to your preference and taste.

Storage Tips

• Keep in an airtight container and you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• It also freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different kinds of beans?
A: Yes, feel free to use any bean of your choice!

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This soup is quite versatile. Any addition of veggies will only amp up the nutritional value.

Q: How can I make the soup creamier?
A: For a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or blend some beans before adding to the soup.

Q: Is this soup only for winter?
A: Although it’s a cozy choice for winter, it’s delicious anytime you’ve got some ham to use!

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: You can serve it with crusty bread or over rice.

Nutritional Facts of Leftover Ham and Bean Soup

Each serving of Leftover Ham and Bean Soup contains about 22g of protein and 10g of fiber, making it a nutritionally rich dish. Taking in account the ham and beans, it also has high amounts of Vitamin A, folate, iron, and potassium. It’s a wholesome soup with around 200 calories per serving.

Last but definitely not least, my verdict? One taste of this Leftover Ham and Bean Soup will have you dreaming of curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and this steamy bowl of goodness! It’s the perfect way to utilize that leftover ham in a way that looks, tastes, and feels new. Oh, and don’t forget, it tastes incredibly fabulous with some fresh bread or over rice. So go ahead, whip up a pot and let me know how you like this hearty bowl of comfort. Cheers!