Ingredients and Weight:
1 ham bone (about 1 pound)
2 cups dried black beans (about 150 grams)
2 liters water
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 150 grams)
2 celery stalks, chopped (about 100 grams)
1 onion, chopped (about 100 grams)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, optional
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low and slow is key for flavor)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak the black beans in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a large pot, combine the ham bone, soaked black beans, water, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add fresh herbs if desired.
- Remove the ham bone and shred the meat off for a heartier soup. Return the meat to the pot.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (assuming 8 people):
Calories: Approx. 300-400 (depending on the amount of ham bone used)
Fat: 7-10g
Carbohydrates: 35-45g
Protein: 25-35g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and their freshness.
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful, with the added depth from the ham bone.
- Black beans add protein and fiber to the dish.
- Can be served as a comforting meal on colder days or as a hearty appetizer.
User Comments:
- "The soup was very flavorful and the ham bone added a unique depth." - John Doe
- "This dish was perfect for a cold winter's day. The black beans were cooked to perfection." - Jane Smith
- "I added some chili flakes for a kick of heat and it really brought out the flavors." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the black beans helps to cook them more evenly and reduces the cooking time.
- Use a low and slow cooking method to ensure the flavors blend together properly.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the salt as it may vary depending on the ham bone's salt content.
