Bean soup with raw ham

Bean soup with raw ham is a traditional recipe, full of flavor and goodness, that evokes family memories and lavish meals. This nourishing soup will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of comfort on chilly days. Moreover, it is a simple and accessible recipe, perfect for any cooking enthusiast.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 600 g raw ham
- 1-2 carrots, peeled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
- 1 piece of celery, diced
- 1 bunch of greens (lamb's lettuce, spinach)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 sprig of lovage
- 300 ml tomato puree
- 50 ml homemade ketchup (if possible)
- 20 ml oil
- 2 teaspoons of flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of mushroom concentrate (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Preparation technique:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans well. Soak them in cold water overnight. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and make the beans more digestible.

2. Preparing the ham: If the ham requires it, trim it (remove the skin) with a knife and wash it well. Then, boil it in a pot of cold water (about 3 liters), adding a little salt. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes.

3. Boiling the beans: In another pot, place the beans in cold water (also 3 liters) and let them boil. At first, it will require about 60 minutes of boiling until they become soft.

4. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans and ham are boiling, peel and finely chop all the other vegetables. In a saucepan or skillet, add the oil and sauté the carrots, onion, celery, parsnip, and red bell pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Finally, add the tomatoes, chopped greens (lamb's lettuce and spinach), tomato puree, ketchup, salt, pepper, and paprika.

5. Combining the ingredients: After the beans have boiled, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beans. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to combine.

6. Finishing the soup: Remove the ham from the pot, let it cool slightly, then remove the bones and cut the meat into pieces. Add the meat to the soup along with its juices. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes.

7. Adjusting the soup's acidity: In the end, you can adjust the taste. Add the chopped parsley and lovage. If desired, you can sour the soup with a little vinegar, lemon juice, or borscht, either directly in the pot or at the table, according to preferences.

8. Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can dissolve two teaspoons of flour in a cup of cold water and add it to the pot, stirring constantly. Let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.

9. Serving: The soup is served hot, garnished with lamb's lettuce leaves, chopped parsley, and lovage, and for an extra touch of flavor, a few drops of ketchup can be added to the plate.

Useful tips:

- Seasonality of vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for a more intense flavor. If you don't have all the vegetables available, feel free to substitute them with what you have on hand.

- The ham: Choose a quality ham to add rich flavor. If you don't have ham, you can use smoked sausages or even pork.

- Variations: If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or pumpkin. You can also experiment with spices: basil and oregano can add a Mediterranean note.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the ham and beans. Additionally, the fresh vegetables provide an important intake of vitamins and minerals, while the greens contribute to healthy digestion. Beans are rich in fiber, helping to maintain good digestion and providing a feeling of fullness.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned beans?: Yes, but it is recommended to rinse them well and add them to the soup towards the end to avoid them breaking apart.

- How can I make the soup spicier?: Add a little fresh chili pepper or chili flakes for a spicier taste.

- What can I serve with the soup?: This soup goes wonderfully with a slice of fresh homemade bread or polenta.

Bean soup with raw ham is a recipe that brings together tradition and comfort, perfect for any family meal. So, don't hesitate – put on your apron and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aromas of this delicious soup! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g beans 600 g raw ham 1-2 carrots 1 red bell pepper 2 onions 2 red onions 1 parsnip 1 piece of celeriac greens (lamb's lettuce, spinach) 1 bunch of parsley, 1 sprig of lovage 300 ml broth 50 ml homemade tomato and red pepper ketchup 20 ml oil 2 teaspoons flour (optional) 1 cube or 1 teaspoon mushroom concentrate (optional) salt, pepper, paprika