Hearty Bean Soup with Ham Bone
Prepare a hearty and comforting bean soup using a savory ham bone. This dish is perfect for a chilly day or as a satisfying meal. The combination of tender beans, flavorful broth, and smoky ham creates a delightful and nourishing soup.
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans soaked overnight
- 1 piece ham bone with some meat attached
- 1 piece onion diced
- 3 pieces carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 pieces celery stalks sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- to taste N/A salt
- to taste N/A pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with water and add the ham bone. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham bone and shred any meat from it, returning the meat to the pot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Continue simmering for 30-45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For best results, allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
- You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the soup's flavor just before serving.
Notes
This versatile dish lends itself well to endless soup variations, allowing you to experiment with different bean varieties, seasonings, and aromatic vegetables.