Ham Bean Soup

Amish Ham Bean Soup Recipe - A Delicious and Hearty Meal

Region / culture: Amish | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham and beans with creamy milk and butter for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Ham bean soup has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is a simple and affordable recipe that was often made by families using leftover ham bones and dried beans. The combination of ham and beans provides a good source of protein and nutrients, making it a nutritious and filling meal.

Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans
1 ham bone
2 qt (1.89 liters) water
salt and pepper
2 qt (1.89 liters) milk
3 tbsp butter

How to prepare

Drain the beans.
Add water and the ham bone.
Cook slowly.
Pick the meat from the bone.
Chop the meat and return it to the bean mixture.
Add milk.
Heat the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add butter and serve.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Add herbs and spices such as thyme, bay leaves, or garlic for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the dried navy beans overnight to help them cook faster and more evenly.

- Use a ham bone with plenty of meat still attached for the best flavor.

- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

- Be sure to cook the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, savory taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ham bean soup with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the soup allows the flavors to develop and meld together for a rich and savory taste.

- Be sure to pick the meat from the ham bone and chop it before adding it back to the soup for a hearty and meaty texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or bacon for a similar flavor.

- You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Ham bean soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ham bean soup in a bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Ham bean soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ham bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ham bean soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ham bean soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ham bean soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of ham bean soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham bean soup is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and butter) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Ham bean soup is a nutritious and filling meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C, making it a healthy choice for a comforting meal.

Summary

Ham bean soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a hearty and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and dog-eared, a sign of the many years of use it had seen. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Ham Bean Soup caught my eye.

I had always loved soup, especially on chilly days like this one. And the thought of a hearty soup made with tender ham and creamy beans sounded like the perfect comfort food. I knew I had to make it.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The recipe called for a ham bone, which I had saved from a previous meal. I simmered the bone in a pot of water, along with some chopped onions, carrots, and celery. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, a rich and savory scent that promised a delicious meal to come.

As the soup simmered, I added the beans - a mixture of dried navy beans and kidney beans that had been soaked overnight. I seasoned the soup with a blend of herbs and spices, including bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. The fragrance of the soup filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After a few hours of simmering, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls and served it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful was pure bliss - the ham was tender, the beans were creamy, and the broth was rich and flavorful. It was a soup that warmed me from the inside out, a true taste of home.

I shared the soup with my family, and they loved it as much as I did. My children asked for seconds, and my husband declared it the best soup he had ever tasted. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household, a dish that would bring us together around the dinner table on many more cold winter nights to come.

Over the years, I have made this Ham Bean Soup countless times, each batch a little different from the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my family's tastes. But the essence of the recipe remains the same - a comforting and nourishing soup that warms both body and soul.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it on to anyone who asks. I have taught my children and grandchildren how to make it, watching with pride as they carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing good food with those they love. And I have continued to make the soup for myself, finding solace and joy in the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Ham Bean Soup on a cold winter day, I am reminded of all the memories and moments that this recipe holds. It is more than just a dish - it is a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who came before me. And as I savor each spoonful, I am grateful for the gift of good food, lovingly prepared and shared with those who matter most.