Indulge in a hearty and comforting Creamy Ham and Bean Soup, a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky savoriness of ham with the wholesome goodness of beans, enveloped in a velvety and luscious cream sauce. This gluten-free soup is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring tender ham, plump beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all harmoniously blended in a creamy broth. Served with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley, this soup promises to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds with every spoonful.
In addition to the classic Creamy Ham and Bean Soup, this article offers two additional variations to tantalize your palate. For those who prefer a rich and smoky flavor, the Smoky Ham and Bean Soup incorporates chipotle peppers and smoked paprika, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. Alternatively, if you're craving a touch of sweetness, the Sweet Potato and Ham Soup introduces the vibrant flavors of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and savory. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or seeking a new culinary adventure, these three variations of Creamy Ham and Bean Soup are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
HAM AND BEAN SOUP
This is easily the best Ham and Bean Soup we've ever had! It's a simple, adaptable recipe, perfect with chunks of crusty bread.
Provided by Kaitlin
Categories Soup
Time 5h20m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat a Dutch oven (you can also use a thick-bottomed soup pot, but may need to stir more often to prevent burning) over medium heat for about 3 minutes or so, until it's nice and hot. Add the oil and the onions. Cook until the onions begin to turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped celery and carrots, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Add the beans, followed by the water. Increase the heat to high.
- Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper, paprika, and chicken bouillon paste. (If you don't have chicken bouillon paste, simply use chicken stock in place of the water.) Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the ham. I like to cut it into big shards/shreds for extra texture. (Sarah likes hers cubed and orderly though. I won't judge either way!) If you're using a ham hock instead of ham, you can add it in now.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low so the soup is at a somewhat energetic simmer--it should always be at a low bubble. Cook for 4-5 hours, stirring periodically. If the soup isn't cooking down, you may want to increase the heat to medium. Every stove is different, so don't just set it and forget it. Periodically check liquid levels.
- In the last hour of cooking, add the fresh parsley, and cook for another hour. It's done when the beans and carrots are tender, and the soup is thickened. If you used a ham hock, fish out any bones, and chop up any large pieces of meat and skin (keeping the skin is optional) that don't break down during the cooking process before serving.
- This soup is quite forgiving. If it ends up too salty for your tastes, just add water, and lightly mash some of the beans to release their starchiness and re-thicken the soup. If you are reheating the soup and there is not enough liquid, just add 1-2 cups of water to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 906 mg, Fiber 12 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CREAMY HAM AND BEANS
This soup freezes well and many people who don't like ham and beans like this soup. It serves 20, depending on the appetites of people eating this delicious soup. Note: I usually soak beans overnight and then they will cook faster. Also only mash a few beans to check them for softness, don't mash them all.
Provided by Phyllis Bartlow
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Cream Soup Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add beans to boiling water and cook on high. Beans will soak up some water, so you will need to add more water later.
- As soon as beans can be mashed with fork, add ham and onions, let cook until beans and ham are done.
- Turn down to medium heat and add soup and cheese. Stir frequently while soup and cheese are mixed into the beans. When cheese is melted turn off heat and serve. Leftovers may be frozen.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.8 g, Cholesterol 24.8 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 17.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 835 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
HAM AND GREEN BEAN SOUP
This ham and green bean soup is a traditional Hungarian dish.
Provided by Raina Burditt
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Pork Soup Recipes Ham Soup
Time 1h10m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cover green beans with water in a large pot. Add ham, bouillon, paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and let simmer until beans are tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add flour and cook until almost brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in diced onion; cook until it begins to brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir dried onions in the mixture until they begin to lightly brown, 3 to 4 minutes, being careful as they burn easily. Add paprika and pepper. Pour in water and stir until mixture is smooth.
- Whip sour cream in a bowl and mix into flour mixture until smooth. Stir sour cream mixture into cooled green beans. Heat soup over medium heat until simmering; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 328.5 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 65.7 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 1166.2 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of beans. This will give your soup a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include Great Northern beans, pinto beans, and black beans.
- Don't overcook the beans. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Use a good quality ham. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
- Add vegetables. This will make your soup more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include carrots, celery, and onions.
- Season your soup to taste. Use salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
- Serve your soup with a side of bread or crackers. This will make it a more satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Creamy Ham and Bean Soup is a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover ham. This soup can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. It is also gluten-free, making it a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. So next time you are looking for a delicious and comforting soup, give Creamy Ham and Bean Soup a try.
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