Dive into the comforting world of this hearty Ham and Bean recipe – a classic dish perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. The succulent ham and tender beans create a satisfying and flavorful combination that’s sure to become a family favorite. Learn how to make this delicious Ham and Bean dish with our step-by-step guide, perfect even for beginner cooks! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality Ham and Bean meal at home.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ham bone (or 1 cup cubed ham) | 1 large |
| Dried Great Northern Beans | 2 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Carrots, chopped | 2 medium |
| Celery, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Chicken Broth | 8 cups |
| Bay leaf | 2 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water. Soak the beans in cold water for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This step significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture. Properly soaked beans are crucial for a successful Ham and Bean recipe.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, ham bone (or cubed ham), chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This Ham and Bean recipe requires patience, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly.
- If using, add the brown sugar during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory ham and beans. This is optional but adds delicious depth to the Ham and Bean dish.
- Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone (if using) and shred the ham meat. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your flavorful Ham and Bean creation is almost complete!
- Serve your delicious Ham and Bean soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!
This Ham and Bean recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Remember, the key to a perfect Ham and Bean is to allow ample cooking time for the beans to become tender and the flavors to meld together. This simple Ham and Bean recipe provides a delicious meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. This Ham and Bean recipe is a blank canvas for culinary creativity – feel free to customize it to your own taste preferences! The versatility of this Ham and Bean recipe is one of its best features. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic dish, time and time again. The best part of this Ham and Bean recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste and preferences.
