Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this hearty 9 bean soup recipe with ham! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. This classic comfort food is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped ham (about 4 ounces)
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can small red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add aromatics and ham: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped ham. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the beans and broth: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), all types of beans (rinsed and drained), vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer to perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Season and serve: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your homemade 9 bean soup!
Cooking Tips for the Best 9 Bean Soup:
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For a smoother soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup after simmering.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, corn, or zucchini.
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Use leftover ham bone: For an even richer flavor, use a leftover ham bone instead of chopped ham. Simmer the bone with the soup for added depth of flavor.
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Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This makes it an ideal meal prep option.
Variations:
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Vegetarian 9 Bean Soup: Omit the ham and add 1 cup of vegetable broth instead.
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Spicy 9 Bean Soup: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
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Creamy 9 Bean Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a hearty and filling meal that is also rich in protein and fiber. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, you can expect a serving to contain roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This 9 bean soup recipe with ham is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious and healthy choice perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!