Hearty Homestyle Ham & Bean Delight
This Hearty Homestyle Ham & Bean Delight is a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. Having been inspired by the comforting flavors of 'old fashioned ham & beans', we’ve added a touch of brown sugar to beautifully enhance the dish's natural sweetness. Similar to a warm embrace on a chilly day, this soup melds the rich, savory essence of pork with the hearty goodness of beans, making it the perfect one-dish meal for gatherings or a cozy night in. Simply utilizing a pressure cooker, this dish comes together with ease, ensuring a flavorful feast in just 40-45 minutes. It's easy enough that even the novice cook can whip it up without a hitch! With a mix of brown pintos and white northern beans soaked overnight in a vinegar-water brine, you'll be delighted to discover how this preparation helps in minimizing post-meal discomfort, allowing everyone to enjoy seconds. Get ready for a warm bowl of this soul-satisfying soup that’s guaranteed to bring family and friends together around the table!
10-12
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork leg shanks or bone-in ham
2-3 (Cured, cut in half for better flavor extraction)
Dried beans (brown pinto & white northern mixed)
3-3.5 cups (Soaked overnight in vinegar-water mixture)
Chicken broth
32 ounces (Store-bought or homemade)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Bay leaves
1-2 (Whole, to be removed after cooking)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (For reducing gas)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (Added for sweetness, adjust to taste)
Onion
1/2 medium (Chopped)
Green pepper
1 medium (Chopped)
Celery
2 stalks (Chopped)
Bacon bits
1/4 cup (Real bacon, optional but recommended)
Instructions
1
The night before cooking, soak the dried beans in plenty of water with a 1/4 cup of vinegar. Ensure the beans are well covered as they will expand.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and place them in the pressure cooker.
3
Add chicken broth and enough water to cover the beans by 1 to 2 inches.
4
Next, simply add in the pork leg shanks or bone-in ham chunks along with all remaining ingredients—no specific order required.
5
Important: Do not add any salt at this stage; the ham will provide enough saltiness during cooking.
6
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and cook at 15 lbs. pressure for approximately 40-45 minutes. Adjust time slightly depending on the size/quantity of ham used.
7
Once cooked, allow the pressure to release before carefully opening the lid.
8
Taste before serving; if desired, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt to taste. If you’d like more broth, feel free to add extra water.
9
Enjoy your deliciously hearty ham & bean soup, and indulge in its wonderful flavors without the gas!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
35g
Carbs
25g
Protein
7g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homestyle Ham & Bean Delight?
It is a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, inspired by old-fashioned ham and beans with a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.
How long does it take to cook this recipe in a pressure cooker?
The dish cooks at 15 lbs. pressure for approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 to 12 servings.
What types of beans are used in this ham and bean soup?
The recipe uses a mix of brown pinto beans and white northern beans.
Why should I soak the beans in vinegar and water overnight?
Soaking the beans in a vinegar-water brine helps minimize post-meal discomfort and gas.
What is the purpose of adding baking soda to the recipe?
Baking soda is included as an ingredient specifically for reducing gas.
Why shouldn't I add salt before cooking?
The ham provides significant saltiness during the cooking process, so it is best to taste and add salt only after cooking is complete.
What kind of ham is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cured pork leg shanks or bone-in ham chunks, cut in half for better flavor extraction.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need 32 ounces of chicken broth, which can be store-bought or homemade.
Is there a specific order for adding ingredients to the pressure cooker?
No, after placing the beans, broth, and water in the cooker, all other ingredients can be added in any order.
What amount of pressure should I use?
The recipe specifies cooking at 15 lbs. of pressure.
What are the calorie counts for a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, it provides 7 grams of fiber per serving.
What vegetables are included in the ingredients?
The recipe includes chopped onion, green pepper, and celery.
What should I do with the bay leaves after cooking?
The bay leaves are used whole for flavor and should be removed after cooking is finished.
Why is brown sugar added to the soup?
A tablespoon of brown sugar is added to beautifully enhance the dish's natural sweetness.
Are bacon bits required for this recipe?
Bacon bits are optional, but real bacon bits are highly recommended for extra flavor.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
Each serving contains 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for a beginner cook?
Yes, it is described as easy enough that even a novice cook can prepare it without a hitch.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses ground black pepper, dried rubbed sage, and garlic powder.
What should I do if I want more broth in my soup?
If you prefer more broth, you can feel free to add extra water after cooking.
How do I prepare the dried beans?
Soak 3 to 3.5 cups of dried beans overnight in plenty of water with a quarter cup of vinegar, then drain before cooking.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 0.8 grams of sugar per serving.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While the primary instructions use a pressure cooker, 'slow cooker' is listed as a relevant tag for the recipe.
How much water should I add to the pressure cooker?
Add enough water to cover the beans by 1 to 2 inches after adding the chicken broth.
What kind of salt should I add at the end if needed?
You can add a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt to taste after the soup is cooked.
Should the ham be bone-in?
Yes, using bone-in ham chunks or pork leg shanks is recommended for the best flavor extraction.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe features an ingredient count of 13.