Elevate your instant pot skills: how to create a rich and savory ham and bean soup

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of ham and bean soup, effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot. With its hearty ingredients and rich broth, this classic dish is a perfect meal for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make ham and bean soup in an Instant Pot and enjoy a satisfying culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, picked over and rinsed
• 1/2 pound diced ham
• 1 large 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

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: In the Instant Pot, combine the navy beans with 6 cups of water. Close the lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.

2. Sauté the vegetables: While the beans are cooking, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Combine ingredients: Drain and rinse the beans. Add them to the Instant Pot along with the sautéed vegetables, ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook on high pressure: Close the lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

5. Let the pressure release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.

6. Remove bay leaf: Remove the bay leaf from the soup.

7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the ham and bean soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings, such as crusty bread, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Soup

• Use different beans: You can substitute navy beans with other varieties such as great northern beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
• Add extra vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup, such as green beans, peas, or corn.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher.
• Freeze for later: The ham and bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Ham and split pea soup: Replace the navy beans with split peas for a different texture and flavor.
• Vegan ham and bean soup: Use plant-based ham and vegetable broth instead of ham and chicken broth.
• Spicy ham and bean soup: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Creamy ham and bean soup: Puree a portion of the soup in a blender until smooth and stir it back into the soup.

What People Want to Know

• Can I use fresh beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use fresh beans, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh beans typically take about 10 minutes to cook on high pressure.

• How do I store the soup?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through before serving.

• What are some good toppings for the soup?

Some popular toppings for ham and bean soup include crusty bread, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley.