BEAN AND HAM SOUP

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### How to Make Bean and Ham Soup

#### Step 1: Prep the Beans
If you’re using dried beans, you’ll need to soak them first. Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 5 minutes, then removing them from heat and letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **onion**, **garlic**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add Ham and Seasonings
Stir in the **cubed ham** and cook for another 3-4 minutes to let it warm through. Then, add the **dried beans**, **chicken broth**, **bay leaves**, **thyme**, and **smoked paprika** (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

#### Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. You may need to add additional water or broth during the cooking process to maintain the desired soup consistency.

#### Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the beans are tender, remove the **bay leaves** and taste the soup. Add **salt** and **pepper** to taste, and if you like, stir in a tablespoon of **vinegar** for a slight tang. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add extra water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **fresh parsley** for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of homemade bean and ham soup.

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### Tips for the Perfect Bean and Ham Soup

– **Use Leftover Ham**: This soup is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or a ham bone. The ham adds rich flavor to the broth and makes the soup even more hearty.
– **Substitute Canned Beans**: If you’re short on time or didn’t soak your dried beans, you can substitute canned beans (about 3-4 cans, drained and rinsed). Just add them in with the broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: Feel free to add more vegetables like **potatoes**, **parsnips**, or **spinach** to make the soup even more nutritious and flavorful.
– **Spice It Up**: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or some **chopped jalapeños** to the soup.
– **Slow Cooker Option**: You can make this soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients to the crockpot and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

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### Why This Soup Works

Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate in comfort food. It combines simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and savory broth makes this soup perfect for colder months, but it’s delicious year-round.

With its rich flavor and filling nature, this soup is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It also keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be frozen for future meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it to family and friends, **Bean and Ham Soup** is sure to be a hit.