Simple Ham and Bean Soup

K

Kimchee

Guest
Adjust quantities for the amount you desire...
I make a big batch cuz it just gets better.

Ham, about 2 cups diced. "Real" ham is best, but deli or
cold cut will do in a pinch.
1 Ham hock (worth buying, adds great flavor)
2 ribs celery, chopped
2-4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced (optional)
1/2 leek, diced (optional)
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 cans Great Northern Beans
1 qt chicken broth or stock

Saute the celery, garlic, onion, carrot, leek in butter or oil for 2 minutes.
Add bay leaves, hock and ham, saute a few minutes longer.
Add spices and broth, heat to boil, let simmer as long as you like.
Add beans with juice from cans, mix well, heat to boil again then let
simmer until you are ready to eat.

I like to add a capful or two of white vinegar to my bowl, adds a nice
subtle tang!
And that hock is well worth eating in the last bowl! YUM!
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
thank you i can't wait to try this. its going on my list of "musts"

4 cans Great Northern Beans - what size can?
 
K

Kimchee

Guest
Your regular canned veggie can... 15 oz or something like that.
 

Fisher's Mom

Mother Superior
Super Site Supporter
Thank you so much for this, Kimchee! One of my favorite meals is a big pot of navy beans with ham hock and some cornbread, but I've only ever used dry beans. This sounds like it would be the same type of comforting food, but in a fraction of the time. I will be making this soon.
 

Rob Babcock

New member
Same here- I've never used anything but dried beans. I suppose my local grocery stores probably have canned ones, too. When I was growing up my Mom always soaked them overnite, so that's what I do.
 
K

Kimchee

Guest
I have pretty much abandoned cooking my own beans.
After trying most recipes both ways, I have found that
canned beans are just fine. After all, they are just pre-cooked....

Although for my smokey bacon lima beans, I use frozen ones...
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
I have pretty much abandoned cooking my own beans.
After trying most recipes both ways, I have found that
canned beans are just fine. After all, they are just pre-cooked....

Although for my smokey bacon lima beans, I use frozen ones...
ooooooooooo ooooooooooooooo o smokey bacon lima beans :)blush: recipe please)

i agree about the beans.
 
K

Kimchee

Guest
lbpeep, check the Vegetables section for recipe.
It's the only way I will eat limas.
 

homecook

New member
Ok, dumb question here.........are lima beans the same as navy beans?? Is there a difference?
I always use dry baby limas in my ham and bean soup. I also don't soak them, just cook them with the ham bone/ham hock for about 3 hours.
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
Ok, dumb question here.........are lima beans the same as navy beans?? Is there a difference?
I always use dry baby limas in my ham and bean soup. I also don't soak them, just cook them with the ham bone/ham hock for about 3 hours.
lima beans are small, flat, green kidney shaped beans

limabeans.jpg
 

homecook

New member
I know what lima beans are, actually they're white when you by them dried............I make the soup all the time........what's the difference in navy beans was my question???
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
I know what lima beans are, actually they're white when you by them dried............I make the soup all the time........what's the difference in navy beans was my question???
i thought navy beans were pink?
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
i thought Navy beans were the pink or white beans used in baked beans. limas and navy don't taste alike to me.
 

Deelady

New member
I've never noticed dried limas in the store before just canned....but then again I've never looked :) I have always liked them though!
 

homecook

New member
The dried come in a bag. They do have large and small limas, navy (which I never paid attention to), red, 7-bean, peas, etc. The only canned I buy are kidney and cannellini beans.
 
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