### Snuggle Up with Traditional Ham and Bean Soup
Snuggle up with a dish of this traditional ham and bean soup, a robust and smoky favorite that transforms leftover ham into homemade warmth. With soft beans cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth, this meal feels just like home.
#### Taste Profile
– **Taste**: Smoky, savory, and comforting, featuring delicate beans and substantial pieces of ham in every bite.
– **Method**: Slow cooking melds smoky ham and soft beans for a deep, fulfilling flavor in every mouthful.
#### Cooking Advice
– **Preparation Advice**: Dried beans may contain impurities; wash and sift through them before use. Alternatively, use pre-soaked or canned beans for faster preparation.
– **Freezer Safe**: This soup can be preserved in individual servings or in a larger container for as long as 6 months. Reheat on the stovetop.
### Ingredient Suggestions and Alternatives
– **Ham**: Utilize a leftover ham bone, or purchase a ham bone, ham steaks, or ham hocks from the store.
– **Beans**: Various mixed beans usually come with a seasoning packet. Use it or save it, reducing the broth if you do. Great Northern, navy, baby lima, or cannellini beans are excellent choices. Soak overnight for uniform cooking.
– **Broth**: Opt for reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock, since the ham contributes salt. For added flavor, mix in some homemade Italian seasoning and add a couple of bay leaves or other dried herbs.
– **Tomatoes**: To enhance brightness and balanced acidity, mix in the tomatoes after the beans have softened.
– **Variations**: Incorporate minced garlic, chopped potatoes, frozen green beans, or other frozen veggies to extend the dish further.
### Quick Cooking Alternatives
– Prepare **Instant Pot ham and bean soup** or **Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup**; neither necessitates soaking!
– **Quick-soak the beans**: Cover them with water and boil for 3 minutes. Switch off the heat and let them sit for 1 to 2 hours. Drain, rinse, and continue with the recipe.
### Steps to Prepare Ham and Bean Soup
1. Sort and soak beans overnight.
2. Mix soaked beans, broth, ham bone, and onion, and let simmer.
3. Take out the ham bone, cut the meat, and return it to the pot.
4. Incorporate celery, carrots, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until soft.
#### Tips for Ideal Soup
– For a thicker consistency, mash some beans towards the end and stir them back into the soup.
– Leftover ham can be salty; use low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to taste to prevent overpowering saltiness.
### Storing Leftover Soup
Keep leftover ham soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze in zippered bags for up to 6 months and defrost overnight in the refrigerator or in a crockpot on low until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating will help to loosen the soup.
### Nutritional Facts (per serving)
– **Calories**: 397
– **Carbohydrates**: 35g
– **Protein**: 31g
– **Fat**: 15g
– **Sodium**: 1123mg
– **Fiber**: 12g
This ham and bean soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cool day, ideal for repurposing leftovers and crafting a dish that feels like home. Enjoy!