Gluten-free comfort in a bowl: the delightful truth about ham and bean soup

Ham and bean soup is a hearty and comforting meal enjoyed by many. However, if you follow a gluten-free diet, you may wonder if this classic dish is safe for you to consume. The answer is: it depends.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

Traditional ham and bean soup recipes typically include:

• Ham
• Beans (such as navy beans, great northern beans, or lima beans)
• Vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions)
• Broth
• Seasonings

The gluten-containing ingredients in ham and bean soup are typically found in:

• Broth: Some broths, such as chicken broth or beef broth, may contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat or barley.
• Seasonings: Some seasonings, such as pre-made mixes or sauces, may contain gluten as a thickener or flavor enhancer.

Gluten-Free Ham and Bean Soup Options

To ensure that your ham and bean soup is gluten-free, follow these tips:

• Use gluten-free broth: Look for broth that is specifically labeled “gluten-free” or made from gluten-free ingredients such as vegetables or meat.
• Check seasonings: Read the labels of all seasonings carefully to ensure they do not contain gluten.
• Make your own seasoning mix: Create your own gluten-free seasoning mix using herbs and spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Use gluten-free thickeners: If you want to thicken your soup, use gluten-free thickeners such as cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot powder.

Common Brands of Gluten-Free Ham and Bean Soup

Several commercial brands offer gluten-free ham and bean soup options, including:

• Amy’s Kitchen Organic Lentil Soup
• Campbell’s Healthy Request Gluten-Free Condensed Ham and Bean Soup
• Progresso Traditional Gluten-Free Ham and Bean Soup
• Swanson Gluten-Free Chicken Broth
• Pacific Foods Organic Gluten-Free Vegetable Broth

How to Make Gluten-Free Ham and Bean Soup at Home

To make your own gluten-free ham and bean soup, follow these steps:

1. Soak the beans: Soak 1 cup of dried beans overnight in cold water.
2. Rinse the beans: Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
3. Cook the beans: In a large pot, combine the beans, 6 cups of gluten-free broth, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Add the ham: Cut 1 pound of cooked ham into cubes and add it to the pot.
5. Add the vegetables: Chop 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Add them to the pot.
6. Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste.
7. Simmer: Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Key Points

Ham and bean soup can be a gluten-free meal option if you follow these tips:

• Use gluten-free broth and seasonings.
• Choose gluten-free thickeners.
• Make your own soup at home to control the ingredients.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy this classic dish without compromising your gluten-free diet.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use any type of ham in gluten-free ham and bean soup?
A: Yes, as long as the ham is cooked and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Q: What other gluten-free ingredients can I add to ham and bean soup?
A: You can add gluten-free vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. You can also add gluten-free grains such as quinoa or brown rice.

Q: How can I store leftover gluten-free ham and bean soup?
A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.