Introduction
The aroma of a simmering pot of soup is one of life’s simple joys, especially on a chilly evening when you crave something warm, comforting, and satisfying. Ham and bean soup, a hearty and flavorful classic, perfectly fits the bill. But let’s be honest, the traditional methods of preparing this dish often require hours of simmering on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Time is a precious commodity, and sometimes we just don’t have hours to dedicate to cooking a meal. That’s where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue, offering a streamlined and efficient way to enjoy a bowl of delicious ham and bean soup without sacrificing flavor or texture.
This recipe delivers a truly remarkable ham and bean soup in a fraction of the time compared to conventional methods, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Get ready to experience a bowl of pure comfort, ready in about an hour!
Why This Recipe Works
This Instant Pot ham and bean soup recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both convenient and budget-friendly. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Speed is Key: The most significant advantage of using an Instant Pot is the dramatic reduction in cooking time. Forget simmering for hours; with the Instant Pot, you can have a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup on the table in under an hour. This is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re simply short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
- Flavor Amplified: Pressure cooking is more than just a time-saver; it’s a flavor enhancer. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot intensifies the flavors of the ingredients, creating a richer, more complex broth. The pressure also helps the beans break down slightly, resulting in a creamy and comforting texture.
- One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can prepare the entire soup in the Instant Pot, from sautéing the aromatics to pressure cooking the beans and ham. This means less cleanup and more time to relax and enjoy your meal. A single pot truly does it all.
- Budget-Friendly Feast: Ham and bean soup is inherently an economical dish. Dried beans are incredibly affordable, and you can use leftover ham from a holiday dinner or purchase an inexpensive ham hock. This recipe is a great way to stretch your grocery budget without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
- Remarkably Versatile: This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation that you can easily customize to your liking. Experiment with different types of beans, add extra vegetables, or adjust the spice level to create your signature ham and bean soup. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Essential Ingredients
To create a truly exceptional Instant Pot ham and bean soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Dried Beans: One pound of dried beans, such as Great Northern beans, navy beans, or a mix of both. These varieties cook well in the Instant Pot and offer a creamy texture. Be sure to rinse and sort the beans before using them to remove any debris or stones.
- Ham: One to two pounds of ham, depending on your preference. You can use a ham hock for a smoky flavor, diced leftover ham from a holiday meal, or a pre-cut ham steak. The choice is yours, but keep in mind that the type of ham you use will influence the overall flavor of the soup.
- Aromatics: One medium onion, diced; two cloves of garlic, minced; one large carrot, diced; and one stalk of celery, diced. These aromatics form the flavor base of the soup, adding depth and complexity. Don’t skip these; they’re essential for a truly delicious result.
- Broth: Eight cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Chicken broth adds a richer flavor, while vegetable broth keeps the soup lighter. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content of the soup.
- Spices and Herbs: One bay leaf, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. The bay leaf and thyme add subtle herbal notes, while the smoked paprika provides a smoky depth of flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Optional additions: One tablespoon of tomato paste for richness, one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
Ingredient Notes for Success
When selecting ham, consider using a smoked ham hock for a richer, more intense flavor. If using leftover ham, try to include some of the bone for extra flavor. Rinsing and sorting the beans is crucial to remove any debris or damaged beans. While soaking is optional, it’s recommended for faster cooking and easier digestion. If you don’t have time to soak overnight, use the quick-soak method (see instructions below). Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Instant Pot ham and bean soup:
First, prepare the beans. Rinse one pound of dried beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or stones. At this stage, you can decide if you want to soak the beans. While not strictly necessary, soaking helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
For the overnight soak method, place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least eight hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before proceeding. If you’re short on time, use the quick-soak method. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then boil for two minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for one hour. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
If using the sauté function, turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add one tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
Now, it’s time to combine ingredients. Add the prepared beans, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, tomato paste (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Seal the pot by securing the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the pressure cook or manual setting and set the cooking time for forty-five minutes at high pressure.
When the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least fifteen minutes. This is important for preventing the beans from bursting and creating a starchy mess. After fifteen minutes, you can carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the venting position. Be cautious, as hot steam will escape.
Once all the pressure has been released and the valve has dropped, carefully open the lid. Remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if using). If you used a ham hock, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
At this stage, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup for a creamier texture, if desired. This is optional, but it adds a lovely richness to the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Finally, season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Start with a small amount of each and add more as needed. Stir well to combine.
Tips and Tricks for Soup Perfection
- Soaking Debate: While soaking beans is generally recommended for faster cooking and improved digestibility, you can skip this step if you’re really short on time. However, be aware that the cooking time may need to be increased slightly.
- Broth Ratio: Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, use more broth.
- Ham Variations: Experiment with different types of ham to create different flavor profiles. Smoked ham hock adds a smoky depth, while leftover ham provides a more delicate flavor.
- Troubleshooting: If the beans are not cooked through after the initial cooking time, reseal the Instant Pot and cook for another five to ten minutes. If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it on the sauté setting until it thickens slightly. If you encounter any error messages on your Instant Pot, consult your user manual for troubleshooting tips.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Instant Pot ham and bean soup hot with your favorite garnishes. Some great options include:
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping in the broth.
- Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy tang (omit for vegan).
- Cornbread: A classic pairing with ham and bean soup.
- Green salad: Provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. In fact, the flavors often meld together and improve overnight. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Variations to Try
- Bean Varieties: Try using different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans.
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper.
- Smoked Goodness: Use smoked ham hock or add a few drops of liquid smoke for a more intense smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Instant Pot ham and bean soup is a quick, easy, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty flavors, creamy texture, and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort in about an hour. Don’t hesitate; begin your journey to this delightful soup tonight!
