Hearty Ham and Multi-Bean Soup
This flavorful and hearty ham and multi-bean soup is perfect for warming your soul on a cold day. Packed with an assortment of beans and nutritious vegetables, it blends the smoky richness of ham with the comforting texture of split peas and a variety of legumes. Each spoonful is a delightful medley that sticks to your ribs, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you stick to the classic beans suggested or experiment with your personal favorites, this soup promises to deliver robust flavor in every bowl.
N/A
Servings
255
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry navy beans or great northern beans
1/2 cup (sorted and rinsed)
dry black beans or kidney beans
1/2 cup (sorted and rinsed)
dried lima beans
1/2 cup (sorted and rinsed)
dried garbanzo beans
1/2 cup (sorted and rinsed)
dried split peas
1/2 cup (sorted and rinsed)
ham
1/2 lb (cut into bite-sized cubes)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
diced carrot
1 cup (fresh)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dry)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dry)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
water
12 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting and rinsing the beans thoroughly under cold water, then draining them well.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed beans and split peas with 6 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes, then carefully drain, rinse, and drain again to remove any impurities.
4
Transfer the drained beans to a slow cooker. Add in the cubed ham, chopped onions, diced carrots, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
5
Pour in the remaining 6 cups of water and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
7
Once cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18g
Protein
11g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Multi-Bean Soup?
This is a flavorful and hearty soup featuring a mix of beans, split peas, nutritious vegetables, and smoky ham, perfect for cold days.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 255 calories per serving.
What types of dry beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a variety including navy or great northern beans, black or kidney beans, lima beans, and garbanzo beans.
Are split peas included in the bean mix?
Yes, 1/2 cup of dried split peas is included to add a comforting texture.
How much ham do I need for this soup?
You will need 1/2 lb of ham, cut into bite-sized cubes.
How long should I cook the soup in a slow cooker on low?
The soup should cook for 8-10 hours on the low setting until the beans are tender.
What is the high heat cooking time for the slow cooker?
On high heat, the soup will be ready in 4-5 hours.
Do I need to soak the beans overnight?
This specific recipe uses a quick-boil method where you boil the beans for 10 minutes and then drain them before slow cooking.
What vegetables are added to the soup?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped fresh onion and 1 cup of diced fresh carrots.
Which dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano, plus 2 whole bay leaves.
How much water is required for the entire process?
A total of 12 cups of water is needed, divided into two 6-cup portions.
Why do I need to drain and rinse the beans after the initial boil?
Draining and rinsing after the 10-minute boil helps to remove impurities from the dried legumes.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, once the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves before eating.
Is this soup low in fat?
Yes, this soup is very low in fat, containing only 1g per serving.
How much protein is in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 18g of protein.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
This hearty soup is high in fiber, providing 11g per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute navy beans with another type?
Yes, you can use great northern beans as an alternative to navy beans.
Can I use kidney beans instead of black beans?
Yes, black beans and kidney beans are interchangeable in this multi-bean recipe.
Is it necessary to sort the beans?
Yes, you should sort and rinse the dry beans thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones.
When should I adjust the salt and pepper?
You should taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper at the very end of the cooking process.
What is the preparation for the carrots and onions?
The onions should be chopped and the carrots should be diced.
Does the recipe suggest any specific flavor profile?
It is described as a smoky, rich, and robust medley that 'sticks to your ribs'.
How much salt and pepper is initially added?
The recipe starts with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I customize the bean selection?
Yes, the recipe encourages experimenting with your personal favorite beans.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is noted as an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including spices and water.
What tags define this recipe's category?
Tags include soup, ham, beans, comfort food, slow cooker, and hearty.
What kind of pot is used for the initial bean prep?
A large saucepan is used to bring the beans and first 6 cups of water to a boil.
What consistency should the beans have when finished?
The beans should be tender before the soup is considered done.