Hearty Smoked Ham and White Bean Soup
Warm up with this Hearty Smoked Ham and White Bean Soup, a comforting dish that combines the creamy texture of navy beans with the rich flavors of smoked ham. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. Featuring a medley of fresh vegetables such as celery, onions, and garlic, this recipe is simple to prepare and can easily be shared with family and friends. Enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry navy beans
1 (lb)
Water
3 (quarts)
Smoked ham bone or hock
1
Chopped parsley
2 (tablespoons)
Finely chopped onion
1 (cup)
Minced garlic
1 (clove)
Finely chopped celery and tops
2 (cups)
Salt
1.5 (teaspoons)
Pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by covering the dry navy beans with water in a large pot or soup kettle. Let them soak overnight to rehydrate.
2
2. The next day, rinse the beans thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the smoked ham bone or hock and pour in the 3 quarts of water.
3
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4
4. Once the beans are tender, add in the chopped parsley, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped celery and tops, salt, and pepper.
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5. Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for an additional hour, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6
6. Carefully remove the ham bone from the soup. Allow it to cool slightly before dicing the meat into small pieces, and then stir the diced meat back into the soup.
7
7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beans are used in this Hearty Smoked Ham and White Bean Soup?
This recipe uses 1 lb of dry navy beans.
How long should the navy beans be soaked before cooking?
The dry navy beans should be covered with water and soaked overnight to rehydrate.
Should I rinse the beans after soaking?
Yes, you should rinse the beans thoroughly after the overnight soak before returning them to the pot.
What meat is required for the soup base?
The recipe requires one smoked ham bone or ham hock.
How much water is needed to cook the soup?
You will need 3 quarts of water.
How long do the beans and ham bone simmer initially?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
When do I add the vegetables and seasonings?
Add the parsley, onions, garlic, celery, salt, and pepper once the beans have become tender after the initial 2-hour simmer.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped celery including the tops.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much celery is needed?
You need 2 cups of finely chopped celery and tops.
What do I do with the ham bone after simmering?
Carefully remove the ham bone, let it cool slightly, dice the meat into small pieces, and then stir the meat back into the soup.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering process?
No, the instructions specify simmering the soup uncovered during both the initial and final stages.
How long is the final simmer after adding vegetables?
The soup should simmer for an additional hour until the vegetables are tender.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, you can garnish the soup with additional parsley if desired.
What are the primary seasonings in this recipe?
The primary seasonings are salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
What is the texture of the beans in the finished soup?
The navy beans provide a creamy texture to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is approximately 3 hours.
Do I need to chop the celery tops?
Yes, the recipe specifies using finely chopped celery and its tops.
Can I use a ham hock instead of a ham bone?
Yes, the recipe allows for either a smoked ham bone or a ham hock.
How much salt is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
How much pepper is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 0.5 teaspoon of pepper.
Is this a good recipe for sharing?
Yes, it is described as a simple-to-prepare recipe that can easily be shared with family and friends.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe falls under the soup and comfort food categories.
Are the navy beans used canned or dry?
The recipe specifically calls for dry navy beans.
How much parsley is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning at the very end after the diced meat has been stirred back in.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables.
How do I prepare the beans on the second day?
After soaking overnight, rinse them thoroughly and return them to the pot with the ham bone and water.