Savory Smoked Ham and Heirloom Bean Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Savory Smoked Ham and Heirloom Bean Soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The smoky flavors of the ham pair beautifully with the earthy heirloom beans, creating a comforting bowl that feels like a hug from the inside.

Ingredients for Savory Smoked Ham and Heirloom Bean Soup

Olive oil is our go-to for sautéing, adding a hint of fruitiness.

Onion and garlic form the base of flavor, essential for that aromatic kick.

Carrots and celery provide sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the soup's texture.

The smoked ham hock infuses the soup with a deep, savory flavor that's hard to beat.

Heirloom beans are the heart of the soup, offering a rich, creamy texture after soaking overnight.

Chicken broth ties everything together, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.

Smoked paprika adds an extra layer of smokiness, complementing the ham perfectly.

A single bay leaf brings subtle herbal notes, enhancing the overall aroma.

Salt and pepper are your best friends for seasoning; adjust them to taste.

Finally, fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Soak the heirloom beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
  • If you're short on time, use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of beans?
Yes, you can substitute with other beans, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead. Add more smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Can this soup be frozen?
Absolutely! It freezes well. Just make sure it's completely cooled before transferring to airtight containers.

Savory Smoked Ham and Heirloom Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they're translucent, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

Next, add the carrots and celery to the pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step starts to build the soup’s hearty base.

Now, add the smoked ham hock, followed by the soaked heirloom beans and chicken broth. Stir in the smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 2 hours. This gives the beans time to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

After simmering, carefully remove the ham hock. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, smoky depth of flavor from the ham.
  • Nutritious and filling, thanks to the beans and vegetables.
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 lb smoked ham hock
1 cup heirloom beans, soaked overnight
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add smoked ham hock, heirloom beans, and chicken broth.
5. Stir in smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
7. Simmer for 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
8. Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to the pot.
9. Discard bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
10. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!