This instant pot ham and bean soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Hearty, rich, and packed with protein, this soup is a perfect option for a cold day or a filling dinner. It's a classic recipe made simple with the use of an Instant Pot, making it a convenient choice for those busy weekdays or cozy family weekends.
This recipe calls for hambeens® 15 bean soup®, a popular blend of various types of beans commonly found in major supermarkets or online retailers. This blend is pre-packaged and flavorful, making your job much easier. Additionally, you may need to find a ham bone. They are often available in the meat department of your grocery store, or you can save one from a previous meal.
Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Hambeens® 15 bean soup®: A convenient blend of 15 different beans that adds a variety of textures and flavors to the soup.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions, helping to release their flavor.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup.
Celery: Provides crunch and a unique flavor that complements the beans.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
Ham Bone: Infuses the soup with a rich, savory ham flavor.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup.
Chicken broth: The base of the soup, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Water: Used to dilute the broth to the perfect consistency.
Tomatoes: Adds a tangy flavor and chunky texture to the soup.
One reader, Alissa Quigley says:
This instant pot ham and bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the ham adds a delicious smoky taste. It's so easy to make, and the beans turn out perfectly tender. It's become a family favorite in our house!
Techniques for Making Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
How to prepare the beans: Rinse the beans and drain them, then sort through to remove any unwanted debris. Set the seasoning packet aside for later use.
How to sauté the vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes tender, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
How to cook under pressure: After adding the remaining ingredients (except for the tomatoes), place the lid on the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure.
How to remove the ham bone: Open the lid and carefully remove the ham bone or ham hock from the soup.
How to add the tomatoes and simmer: Add the tomatoes with their juice to the soup. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and allow the soup to simmer while you pick the ham off the bone.
How to finish and serve: Return the meat to the Instant Pot, stir well, and then serve the delicious ham and bean soup.
How To Make Instant Pot Ham & Bean Soup
A bowl of this comforting ham and bean soup recipe just hits the spot. You have chunks of ham bone hock cooked until tender in a rich and tasty bean broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1pkgHambeens® 15 BEAN SOUP®
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1largeoniondiced
- 1cupcelerydiced
- 3carrotsdiced
- 1ham bonehock or 2 cups leftover
- 1bay leaf
- 4cupschicken broth
- 4cupswater
- 14oztomatoesdiced with juice
Instructions
-
Rinse beans and drain. Sort any unwanted debris and set seasoning packet aside.
-
Turn instant pot on to saute. Add olive oil and onion and saute until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes.
-
Place the lid on, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Quick release pressure.
-
Open the lid and remove ham bone or ham hock. Add tomatoes with juice, turn onto saute and allow to simmer while picking the ham off of the bone.
-
Return the meat to the Instant Pot and stir and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 248.83kcal
- Fat: 11.88g
- Saturated Fat: 3.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.72g
- Carbohydrates: 14.43g
- Fiber: 2.39g
- Sugar: 7.07g
- Protein: 21.63g
- Cholesterol: 50.86mg
- Sodium: 890.14mg
- Calcium: 44.43mg
- Potassium: 761.07mg
- Iron: 1.45mg
- Vitamin A: 289.90µg
- Vitamin C: 13.71mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
When preparing your ham and bean soup, it's crucial to sauté the onions until they're tender before adding the other ingredients. This process, known as sweating, helps to draw out the onions' natural sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup. Additionally, when you're picking the ham off the bone, be sure to remove any excess fat or gristle. This will ensure that every bite of your soup is filled with tender, flavorful ham.
Time-Saving Tips for Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Plan ahead: Prepare and organize all ingredients and utensils before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables, available in most grocery stores, to cut down on prep time.
Utilize a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop, dice, or puree ingredients, saving time on manual preparation.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking in the Instant Pot, use the time to clean and organize the kitchen to save time after the meal.
Invest in an immersion blender: An immersion blender can be used directly in the Instant Pot to puree the soup, eliminating the need to transfer hot liquid to a separate blender.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Ham & Bean Soup Recipe
ham bone - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg can provide a similar smoky flavor and richness to the soup as a ham bone.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute to maintain the savory flavor in the soup while catering to vegetarian preferences.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a convenient and flavorful alternative.
Presentation Tips for Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the ham and bean soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients and ensure that the soup is the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with finely chopped parsley or chives. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor to the soup.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the presentation, such as a small side of crispy bacon bits or toasted bread crumbs. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup.
Serve with artisanal bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of warm, crusty artisanal bread or a baguette to provide a delightful complement to the hearty flavors of the dish.
Use elegant soup bowls: Opt for high-quality, elegant soup bowls that complement the sophistication of the dish. The presentation should reflect the refined nature of the culinary creation.
Essential Tools for Making Ham and Bean Soup in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot: A versatile electric pressure cooker that can be used for various cooking methods such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming.
Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and preparing ingredients for the soup.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Large spoon: Used for stirring and serving the soup.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients such as broth, water, and seasonings.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of tomatoes.
Tongs: Useful for handling the ham bone or ham hock during cooking and removing it from the Instant Pot.
Ladle: Used for serving the soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: To serve the delicious ham and bean soup.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
- Allow the ham and bean soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and the contents for easy identification later.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and for quicker thawing.
- Ham and bean soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
- To reheat the frozen soup, you have two options:
- Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer it to a pot and heat it gently over medium heat until warmed through.
- For a quicker method, place the frozen soup directly into a pot and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thaws and warms up. Adjust the consistency with a little water or broth if needed.
- When reheating, be sure to bring the soup to a boil to ensure it's heated thoroughly and evenly.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, as flavors may mellow during storage.
Interesting Fact About Ham and Bean Soup
The ham and bean soup recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling meal. It's also a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings to suit individual tastes. This recipe is a convenient way to use up leftover ham and create a hearty and delicious soup.
Is Making Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup Cost-Effective?
The ham and bean soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like beans, ham bone, and vegetables makes it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of this dish also allows for easy customization based on available ingredients. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and economical meal.
Is This Ham and Bean Soup Healthy?
The instant pot ham and bean soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like the hambeens® 15 bean soup® mix and canned tomatoes, which can be high in sodium and preservatives
- The ham bone or ham hock, while adding flavor, can also contribute to the dish's overall fat and sodium content
- The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of fresh vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the use of beans, which are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and the inclusion of some vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use dried beans instead of the pre-packaged mix, allowing you to control the sodium content and avoid any unwanted additives
- Opt for a leaner cut of ham or use turkey bacon to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of fresh vegetables in the recipe, such as adding more carrots, celery, and even leafy greens like spinach or kale
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or prepare your own to reduce the sodium content
- Replace the canned tomatoes with fresh, diced tomatoes or use a low-sodium canned variety
- Experiment with adding more herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on salt, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika
By making these adjustments, you can transform this instant pot ham and bean soup into a more nutritious and well-balanced meal that still delivers on comfort and flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
This ham and bean soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of the flavorful ham, mixed beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a rich and satisfying soup. The use of an Instant Pot ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a delicious and wholesome meal. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire.
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Why trust this Instant Pot Ham & Bean Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted choice for a hearty and flavorful meal. The hambeens® 15 bean soup® provides a diverse selection of beans, ensuring a rich and satisfying texture. The addition of ham bone infuses the soup with savory depth, while the combination of onion, celery, and carrots offers a medley of aromatic flavors. The use of chicken broth and water guarantees a robust base, and the inclusion of tomatoes adds a touch of brightness. With a blend of high-quality ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe promises a delicious and comforting ham and bean soup experience.
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