Introduction
The Allure of Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Are you craving a deeply satisfying, comforting meal that magically appears with minimal effort? Picture this: a steaming bowl, overflowing with tender beans, savory ham, and a broth so rich and flavorful it warms you from the inside out. Well, dream no more! This recipe unlocks the secret to a truly phenomenal Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup, a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare. We’re talking about a weeknight winner that will transform your dinner routine and have everyone clamoring for seconds. This isn’t just soup; it’s pure comfort in a pressure cooker.
The Magic of the Instant Pot
The beauty of this recipe lies in the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s a culinary game-changer, a multi-functional appliance that takes the fuss out of home cooking. It simplifies the entire process, from soaking the beans (or skipping it altogether!) to achieving that perfectly tender, flavorful result in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. This isn’t just about saving time, although that’s a major perk; it’s about unlocking flavor potential you might not have thought possible.
Budget-Friendly and Versatile
Beyond the convenience, this Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is a champion of practicality. It’s exceptionally budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely already have on hand or can easily source at your local grocery store. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your heart’s content, playing with different beans, vegetables, and flavor profiles to create a soup that perfectly matches your personal preferences. Prepare to be amazed!
Recipe Overview
This recipe provides a straightforward yet incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, utilizes easily accessible ingredients, and demands minimal hands-on time. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup
Let’s get cooking! The ingredients list is where the flavor journey begins. To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need to gather the following:
- Dried navy beans (or your preferred bean, such as cannellini, Great Northern, or pinto). The choice is yours, and each brings a slightly different texture and flavor profile to the soup.
- A ham hock. This is where you’ll find a deep, smoky flavor. Alternatively, about two cups of diced leftover ham will also do the trick. The ham hock provides a richer, more intense ham flavor, but leftover ham is a fantastic way to use up what you already have and is readily available.
- One onion, roughly chopped. Onions form the aromatic base of this soup.
- Two to three carrots, chopped. Carrots add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Two to three celery stalks, chopped. Celery provides a subtle savory note.
- Two to three cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic infuses the soup with a pungent, delicious aroma.
- Chicken or vegetable broth. Four to six cups will work depending on your desired thickness and the size of your Instant Pot. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth makes it suitable for vegetarians (when using vegetarian broth, ensure you omit the ham hock or use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.)
- One bay leaf. A subtle yet essential herb that adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Dried thyme. A classic pairing for ham and beans, thyme brings an earthy, savory note.
- Smoked paprika (optional). This adds a layer of smoky flavor that elevates the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the best in your ingredients.
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil. These add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
A note about ingredient substitutions: Feel free to experiment! If you have a different type of dried bean on hand, go for it! Pinto beans or kidney beans also work wonderfully. If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa work wonderfully), substituting for or complementing the ham hock. You can also vary the vegetables; parsnips or turnips could be delicious additions. This soup is all about adaptability.
Choosing Quality Ham
If you’re using leftover ham, consider its quality. The better the quality of the ham, the better the soup will taste. Look for a ham with a good balance of saltiness and sweetness.
Instructions
Bean Preparation: To Soak or Not to Soak
Now, onto the most crucial part: the actual cooking. Before we start cooking, you have a crucial choice to make about the beans. They can impact the cooking time and ultimately the texture of your soup. You can either pre-soak or cook them directly in the Instant Pot.
The Traditional Method: Soaking Beans
The most traditional approach involves soaking the beans. You can do this overnight, in cold water. This helps soften the beans, reduces cooking time, and can aid in digestibility. Some people believe it also helps to remove some of the compounds that cause digestive discomfort.
The Instant Pot Shortcut
However, the Instant Pot is known for its ability to cook beans even without soaking, meaning you can often skip this step entirely. The advantage is a super convenient recipe. The disadvantage is that the cooking time may be slightly longer, and the beans might not be quite as tender. The choice is yours and depends on your preference and available time.
Instant Pot Cooking Steps
Here’s how to bring this wonderful soup to life in your Instant Pot:
- First, use the sauté function. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and allow it to heat up. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking oil. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they soften slightly, about five to seven minutes. This step builds a flavor foundation by releasing the natural sweetness and aromatics of the vegetables.
- Next, introduce the garlic. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Now, it’s time to build layers of flavor. Add the ham hock (or diced ham), the dried beans, the chicken or vegetable broth, the bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika (if using).
- The Instant Pot is where the magic happens. Secure the lid and ensure the sealing valve is in the “sealing” position. Then, pressure cook on high pressure. The pressure cooking time depends on the bean type and the Instant Pot model. For navy beans (which are most commonly used), set the timer to forty to fifty minutes. Consult your Instant Pot manual for recommended cooking times specific to the beans and your particular model.
- Once the pressure cooking is complete, the Instant Pot needs to be depressurized. Allow for natural pressure release for fifteen to twenty minutes. This is the best method for allowing the soup to fully develop its flavors and creates perfectly tender beans. If you’re in a real hurry, you can carefully release the remaining pressure by using the quick-release method, but keep in mind that this might lead to slightly less tender beans.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure, and then remove the lid. Take out the ham hock, if you used one, and shred the meat. Discard the bone. Add the shredded ham back to the soup.
- Stir the soup well. At this stage, you can assess the thickness and flavor. If the soup seems too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered on the sauté function for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings. This is where you can fine-tune the flavor of your Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the thyme and smoked paprika levels if necessary.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can partially mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon. This helps to release starches and create a creamier texture.
Serving Instructions
Serve immediately. This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a fantastic meal on its own. However, presentation and garnishes can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:
Tips and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or cornbread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Top with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil. These additions add freshness, visual appeal, and enhance the flavor.
Consider serving a simple side salad on the side. The contrast in textures and flavors complements the richness of the soup.
Storage and Reheating
This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. To store, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, you can warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
The Benefits of Making Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
This recipe is a testament to how easy and delicious comfort food can be.
This recipe is undeniably quick, given the results are hearty and filling. The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time, making this meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
The ease of preparation is another significant benefit. From start to finish, this recipe takes very little hands-on time. The Instant Pot does most of the work, leaving you free to tackle other tasks.
Above all, the flavor is what truly distinguishes this recipe. The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and flavorful broth creates a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a classic for a reason.
Final Thoughts
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and prepare to be amazed! Try this simple Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe and share your experience. Did you add any special touches? Let us know how yours turns out! What are your favorite add-ins for ham and bean soup? Let’s swap ideas and make this already delicious recipe even better together. Enjoy!
