Ingredients and Weight:
- Ham: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Great Northern Beans: 2 cups (dried)
- Chicken broth: 4 cups
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Bay leaves: 2-3
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh
- Optional: Cream or milk for richer texture (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 2-3 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (stove top)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to soaking beans and extended cooking time)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak the great northern beans in water overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the soaked beans with chicken broth.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and garlic.
- Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2-3 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour on the stove top.
- Add ham pieces and continue cooking until the ham is heated through and the beans are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- If desired, add a splash of cream or milk to enhance the soup's richness.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on estimated values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (assuming no additional oil or cream added)
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 8g (Based on bean content)
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and flavorful, this soup is a great winter warmer.
- The combination of ham and beans creates a savory yet comforting dish.
- The soup can be easily customized with additional vegetables or herbs.
User Comments:
- "This soup was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of ham and beans was unexpected but delicious." - John Doe
- "I made this in my slow cooker and it was so easy to prepare. The flavors were fantastic!" - Jane Smith
- "Added a splash of cream at the end, made the soup rich and creamy." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring proper digestion.
- Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the desired taste is achieved.
- If using a stove top, keep an eye on the pot and adjust the heat to maintain a low boil to prevent the soup from boiling over.
- This soup is great for batch cooking and freezing. It can be made in advance and reheated later for a quick meal.
