Basic Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Ham: 200 grams (cut into cubes)
• Dried Beans: 1 cup (250 grams)
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
• Onion: 1 medium (chopped)
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional): thyme, rosemary, or parsley

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (includes shopping time for ingredients)

Cooking Time: 1 hour (includes soaking time for beans)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the dried beans in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. In a large pot, combine the soaked beans with chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a small frying pan, brown the ham cubes lightly on both sides.
5. Add the browned ham cubes to the pot of beans and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for another 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
8. If desired, add fresh herbs and let them simmer for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a starter for a meal.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the nutritional information provided here is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving (assuming no additional oil or salt added during cooking)
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fat: 9 grams (of which saturated fat is 3 grams)
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams (of which sugar is 3 grams)
• Fiber: 7 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Comfort food: This dish is a classic American comfort food that provides warmth and satisfaction.
• Versatile: It can be served as a starter or as a light meal with crusty bread or salad on the side.
• Traditional flavors: The combination of ham and beans offers a traditional flavor that many Americans enjoy.

User Comments:

1. "This soup is so comforting and filling! The perfect dish for a cold winter day." - John Doe, New York
2. "The flavor combination of ham and beans is classic and delicious! This recipe is a keeper." - Jane Smith, California
3. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes like a dish from a five-star restaurant." - Michael Johnson, Texas

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soaking the beans is crucial for proper digestion and to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, as everyone's preference for salt and pepper may vary.