Recipe for Creamy Bean and Ham Soup: A Comforting Winter Wonder
Guide or Summary：Ingredients:Instructions:Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:Delve into the heart of comforting cuisine with our delectable recipe for creamy bea……
Guide or Summary：
Delve into the heart of comforting cuisine with our delectable recipe for creamy bean and ham soup. This rich and satisfying dish is the epitome of winter warmth, offering a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, this soup is a true standout that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ham hocks or smoked ham shank
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the ham hocks or smoked ham shank on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. Remove and let cool.
3. Once the ham is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
4. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot, and stir to combine. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
6. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded ham and cannellini beans to the pot, and let everything come to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to soften.
8. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the creamy bean and ham soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
This creamy bean and ham soup is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of savory ham, earthy beans, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both heartwarming and indulgent. The cream adds a luxurious touch, making each spoonful a true treat.
Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving something cozy on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to satisfy. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect candidate for meal prep, as it only gets better with time.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a bowl of creamy bean and ham soup that will become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy the process of transforming simple ingredients into a dish that will leave you wanting more. Bon appétit!