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Ham Bone Soup

Ham Bone Soup
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Warm up with this hearty Ham Bone Soup recipe that combines rich, smoky ham flavors with tender vegetables and beans for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week. Easy to make and budget-friendly, this soup is packed with fiber and protein, making it the ultimate soul-soothing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ham bone
  • 1 cup dry navy or great northern beans
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Soak the dry beans overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes then letting them sit off the heat. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before adding them to the soup to ensure even cooking and better digestion.
  2. Build the Flavor Base: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This base creates the essential flavor foundation for your soup.
  3. Add the Ham Bone and Liquids: Place the ham bone into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer to extract all the smoky flavor from the bone.
  4. Cook the Soup: Add the soaked and drained beans along with bay leaves and thyme to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serving: Remove the ham bone from the soup, strip any remaining meat from it and add it back to the soup. Discard the bones and herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your preferred garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use a slow simmer to extract maximum flavor and keep beans tender without breaking.
  • Chill soup and skim off hardened fat for a cleaner broth.
  • Add fresh parsley or thyme just before serving for a bright flavor.
  • Let the ham bone simmer for at least one hour to release full flavor.
  • Substitute water with homemade vegetable or chicken broth for deeper taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham Bone Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Bean Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Smoky Soup, Gluten Free Soup

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/ham-bone-soup/