Best 2 Calico Ham And Bean Soup Recipes

Have you ever heard of calico ham and bean soup? A delightful and colorful dish that combines the smoky flavor of ham, the tender heartiness of beans, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. This soup is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal on a chilly day. In this article, we present two enticing recipes for calico ham and bean soup that will tantalize your taste buds.

The first recipe showcases a classic approach to this beloved soup. We start with a flavorful ham bone simmered in a pot of water, infusing the broth with a rich and savory essence. Then, a medley of colorful beans, including Great Northern beans, navy beans, and pinto beans, are added to the pot, along with hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. As the soup simmers, the beans soften and absorb the delicious broth, while the vegetables contribute their own unique flavors and textures.

The second recipe offers a slightly different take on calico ham and bean soup, featuring a creamy and comforting twist. In this variation, we start with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, building a foundation of aromatic flavors. Then, we introduce diced ham, vegetable broth, and a variety of beans, including cannellini beans, black beans, and kidney beans. The soup is simmered until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, we incorporate creamy coconut milk and a touch of curry powder, lending a unique and irresistible twist to this classic dish.

Both recipes promise a satisfying and delectable soup experience. Whether you prefer the traditional route or are looking for a creamy and exotic variation, you'll find the perfect calico ham and bean soup recipe here. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will warm your heart and soul.

Tips:

• Choose the right beans: For this soup, you'll need two kinds of beans: great northern beans and pinto beans. Great northern beans are small, white beans with a mild flavor, while pinto beans are larger, tan beans with a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also use other types of beans, such as navy beans or kidney beans, but the cooking time may vary.
• Soak the beans overnight: Soaking the beans overnight will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time. If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 1 minute, then removing them from the heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.
• Use a ham bone or ham hock: A ham bone or ham hock will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If you don't have a ham bone or ham hock, you can use 1 pound of smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille.
• Add vegetables and seasonings: In addition to the beans and ham, you'll also need to add vegetables and seasonings to the soup. Common vegetables include onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
• Let the soup simmer: Once all of the ingredients are added to the pot, let the soup simmer for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.

Conclusion:

Calico ham and bean soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your soup thick or thin, spicy or mild, there's a calico ham and bean soup recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give calico ham and bean soup a try.