Hearty Mixed Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Hearty Mixed Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound mixed dried beans (like Great Northern, pinto, red, and black beans)

8 cups chicken broth or water

1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:

Rinse the beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in a large bowl covered with water. If you’re short on time, use the quick soak method by bringing the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.

Cook the Soup:

Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

In a large pot, add the beans, chicken broth or water, and the ham bone or diced ham.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.

Simmer covered for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. If using diced ham without a bone, consider adding it later in the cooking process to keep it from becoming too tough.

Finishing Touches:

Remove the ham bone (if used) from the soup. If there’s any meat left on the bone, shred it and return it to the pot.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, depending on the saltiness of the ham.

Serve:

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

This soup is flavorful, packed with protein and fiber from the beans, and has the rich, smoky taste from the ham.

It’s a satisfying meal that will keep you full and warm.

Enjoy your cooking! If you need more recipes or different variations, feel free to ask.