Ham and Bean Soup recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 1 ham hock or ham bone with some meat on it
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans: Rinse the dried navy beans and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot, sauté the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add ham and beans: Add the ham hock or ham bone to the pot. Pour in the soaked and drained navy beans. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Pour in broth: Add the bay leaf and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Remove ham bone: Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone or hock from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred any meat and add it back to the soup. Discard any bones, fat, or gristle.
7. Season to taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Remember that the ham adds saltiness, so be cautious with the additional salt.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Important Points:

• Soaking beans: Soaking the dried beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and aids in better digestion.
• Ham bone or hock: Using a ham bone or hock adds flavor to the soup. It’s important to simmer it long enough to extract the flavors.
• Vegetable base: Sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic creates a flavorful vegetable base for the soup.
• Seasoning: Be mindful of the salt content, as the ham contributes saltiness. Adjust the seasoning at the end.
• Simmering time: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld, and the beans to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Ham and Bean Soup!