Save It There's something deeply comforting about a pot of bean soup simmering away on a cold day. This 15-Bean Soup with Smoky Ham Bone transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary, filling your home with an aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen. The secret lies in that leftover ham bone—don't even think about throwing it away after your holiday meal! It infuses the broth with a depth of flavor that simply can't be replicated, turning a simple bean soup into a soul-warming masterpiece.
Save It This isn't just any bean soup—it's a melody of textures and flavors that develops over hours of slow cooking. The 15-bean mix offers variety in every spoonful, from tiny lentils to substantial lima beans. As they simmer alongside the ham bone, they absorb its smoky essence while maintaining their distinct character. The vegetables add sweetness and depth, while a hint of smoked paprika enhances the ham's natural flavor. This is rustic, unpretentious cooking at its finest—the kind that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz / 570 g) bag 15-bean soup mix, rinsed and sorted
- 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat attached)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups (2 L) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for lighter flavor)
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste (add after cooking to avoid tough beans)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the beans
- Rinse and sort the beans, discarding any debris or broken beans.
- Step 2: Layer ingredients
- Place the beans in the bottom of a large slow cooker (6 quarts or larger).
- Step 3: Add protein
- Add the ham bone on top of the beans.
- Step 4: Add vegetables
- Add onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), and garlic.
- Step 5: Add liquids
- Pour in chicken broth and water.
- Step 6: Season
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and add the bay leaf.
- Step 7: Slow cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Step 8: Finish the soup
- Remove the ham bone. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
- Step 9: Final touches
- Stir well, taste, and season with salt as needed.
- Step 10: Serve
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
While this recipe is quite straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, never skip the bean sorting step—occasionally, small stones can make their way into dried bean packages. Second, resist the temptation to add salt until after cooking; salt can prevent beans from softening properly. If your ham bone is particularly salty, you may need very little additional salt at the end. Finally, the longer this soup sits, the better it gets, making it an excellent candidate for making ahead.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to dietary needs and preferences. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use smoked paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke for depth. If you don't have a 15-bean mix, any combination of dried beans will work—just maintain the same total quantity. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. Spice lovers can add a diced jalapeño with the vegetables or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it welcomes accompaniments. A slice of crusty sourdough or warm cornbread makes the perfect partner for sopping up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, serve with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to contrast the soup's richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley, thyme, or chives—adds brightness to each bowl. And don't forget hot sauce on the table for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Save It This 15-Bean Soup with Smoky Ham Bone isn't just a recipe—it's a tradition waiting to happen in your home. The kind of dish that prompts someone to ask for the recipe every time you serve it. It embodies the philosophy that good cooking doesn't have to be complicated or expensive; sometimes, the most humble ingredients create the most memorable meals. As the days grow shorter and colder, let this soup be your kitchen companion, filling your home with warmth, aroma, and the promise of gathering around the table for something truly special.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What beans are included in the 15-bean mix?
The mix typically contains navy, pinto, kidney, black, garbanzo, lentils, and other varieties delivering a rich blend of flavors and textures.
- → Can I substitute the ham bone in this dish?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, omit the ham bone and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke to maintain a smoky depth.
- → How long should the soup cook to ensure tender beans?
Cooking on low heat for about 8 hours allows the beans to soften properly and absorb flavors fully.
- → What vegetables enhance the flavor of this bean medley?
Onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes provide a savory and aromatic base to the dish.
- → Is it possible to add greens to the soup?
Yes, adding chopped spinach or kale during the last 20 minutes boosts nutrition and adds fresh color.