Mike Roy's Ham Bone Bean Soup
Mike Roy's Ham Bone Bean Soup Recipe - Delicious and Hearty
Introduction
Ham Bone Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in many households. The combination of navy beans, ham bone, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
Ham Bone Bean Soup has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where frugality and resourcefulness were key in creating delicious meals. The use of a ham bone in this recipe adds depth of flavor and richness to the soup, making it a popular choice for using up leftover ham after a holiday meal. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years, but the basic concept of using beans and a ham bone remains the same.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Wash the beans and soak them in water overnight.
- Drain the beans and cover them with fresh water.
- Bring the beans to a rolling boil and let them boil for one minute.
- Remove the beans from heat and drain them.
- Add 3 qt (2.84 liters) of water to the beans, along with the ham bone, and let them simmer for 2 hours.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the beans and simmer for another hour.
- Be cautious with the amount of salt used due to the presence of the ham bone.
Variations
- Add diced carrots and potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Use different types of beans, such as pinto or black beans, for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Substitute the ham bone with smoked turkey or bacon for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly.
- Be sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface while simmering the beans to ensure a clear broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, as the saltiness of the soup will depend on the saltiness of the ham bone.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ham Bone Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering the beans with the ham bone for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.
- Adding the herbs towards the end of cooking ensures that their flavors remain fresh and vibrant.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have a ham bone, you can use ham hocks or smoked sausage for a similar flavor.
- Feel free to use dried herbs instead of fresh, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.
Make Ahead Tips
Ham Bone Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Ham Bone Bean Soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy and elegant meal.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Ham Bone Bean Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the soup nicely.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Ham Bone Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
200
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
Fats
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 15g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 10%
Alergens
Contains: None
Summary
Ham Bone Bean Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.
Summary
Ham Bone Bean Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender beans, and savory ham bone, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with your loved ones and savor the warmth and comfort it brings.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a cold and blustery day in the small town of Green Meadows, and I had just finished my morning chores when my dear friend, Mike Roy, knocked on my door holding a large ham bone in his hands.
"Martha, I have something special for you," he said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I know how much you love cooking and I thought you might enjoy this ham bone to make a delicious soup."
I was thrilled at the gesture and invited him inside as we chatted about the origins of the ham bone and how he came across it. Mike explained that it was from a family gathering he had attended the night before, and he had saved it knowing that I would be able to make something wonderful out of it.
As we sat in my cozy kitchen, I could feel the excitement building within me. I had always been passionate about cooking and experimenting with new recipes, and the challenge of making something delicious out of this ham bone was too tempting to resist.
Mike shared with me the basic ingredients for the soup – dried beans, onions, carrots, and celery – and told me that the key to making it truly special was to simmer the ham bone for hours to extract all the delicious flavors. He also shared with me a secret ingredient – a pinch of smoked paprika – that he swore would take the soup to the next level.
I thanked Mike for his thoughtful gift and promised to make him a batch of the soup once it was ready. He left with a smile on his face, knowing that he had sparked a new culinary adventure for me.
I spent the rest of the afternoon gathering the ingredients and preparing the soup. The house was filled with the rich aroma of simmering ham bone and spices, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and joy as I stirred the pot and watched the flavors meld together.
After several hours of slow cooking, the soup was finally ready. I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took a tentative sip. The taste was beyond my wildest expectations – the smoky richness of the ham bone, the creamy texture of the beans, and the savory sweetness of the vegetables all came together in perfect harmony.
I knew that this recipe was something special, something that I would treasure and pass down to future generations. I made a mental note to write it down in my recipe book, alongside all the other beloved recipes that I had collected over the years.
When Mike came back the next day to taste the soup, he was blown away by the flavors and begged me to share the recipe with him. I laughed and told him that I would be happy to teach him how to make it, but only if he promised to keep it a secret between us.
And so, Mike Roy's Ham Bone Bean Soup became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make time and time again for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet nights at home. It became a symbol of friendship and generosity, a reminder of the joy that can be found in sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
As I sit here now, many years later, stirring a pot of the same soup on a cold winter's day, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The simple act of receiving a ham bone from a dear friend had sparked a culinary journey that had brought me so much joy and fulfillment.
And as I take a taste of the soup and savor the familiar flavors, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. For that, I am forever grateful.
Categories
| Bean Soup Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Celery Recipes | Navy Bean Recipes | Onion Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Tomato Sauce Recipes |