No more watery soup! discover the easiest way to make ham and bean soup thicker

Ham and bean soup is a classic comfort food, but sometimes it can be a little too thin. If you’re looking for ways to thicken your ham and bean soup, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore various methods to achieve the perfect consistency for your soup.

Thickening with Flour

One of the most common ways to thicken ham and bean soup is to use flour. You can either make a roux or simply stir in the flour directly.

Roux Method:

1. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the roux is golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk the roux into the soup until it thickens.

Direct Stir-In Method:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cold water to form a slurry.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer.
3. Gradually whisk in the slurry until the soup thickens.

Thickening with Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another effective thickening agent for ham and bean soup.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer.
3. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the soup thickens.

Thickening with Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes add a creamy texture and thickness to ham and bean soup.

1. Peel and boil 2-3 potatoes until tender.
2. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
3. Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup until it thickens.

Thickening with Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs can also be used to thicken ham and bean soup.

1. In a food processor or blender, grind 1/2 cup of bread into breadcrumbs.
2. Stir the breadcrumbs into the soup until it thickens.

Thickening with Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds a rich flavor and thickness to ham and bean soup.

1. In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of tomato paste and 1/4 cup of water.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer.
3. Gradually whisk in the tomato paste mixture until the soup thickens.

Other Tips for Thickening Ham and Bean Soup

• Let the soup simmer: Simmering the soup for a longer period of time will help to thicken it naturally.
• Use a pressure cooker: Pressure cookers can help to reduce the cooking time and thicken the soup more quickly.
• Add more beans: Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, and they can also help to thicken the soup.
• Puree a portion of the soup: Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree a portion of the soup and then stir it back into the pot.

The Ultimate Ham and Bean Soup

Now that you know how to thicken ham and bean soup, here’s a recipe for the ultimate comfort food:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried ham hocks
• 1 pound dried great northern beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Thickening agent of your choice (see methods above)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham hocks, beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
3. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and set aside to cool.
4. Once the ham hocks are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
5. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir in the thickening agent of your choice.
6. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use canned beans to make ham and bean soup?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. However, be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

2. How can I add more flavor to my ham and bean soup?

You can add more flavor to your soup by using a flavorful ham hock, adding vegetables such as bell peppers or corn, or using a spicy sausage instead of ham.

3. Can I freeze ham and bean soup?

Yes, you can freeze ham and bean soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before freezing it.