Nutrient-Dense Ham And Lima Bean Soup Recipe

by Julia
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August 9, 2023

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Savor the heartwarming goodness of our Ham and Lima Bean Soup, a rich and robust bowl of comfort that promises to delight your taste buds. The smoky sweetness of ham complements the creamy texture of lima beans, creating a symphony of flavors. Carrots, celery, and onions add a classic mirepoix base, while a bouquet of herbs infuses each spoonful with aromatic delight. Dive into this soul-soothing concoction and let the harmony of ingredients warm you from the inside out.

Indulge in the sublime fusion of textures and flavors with our vibrant Ham and Lima Bean Soup. This culinary masterpiece, brimming with succulent ham and buttery Lima beans, embraces the comfort of home-cooked meals.

Unleash your inner chef as you immerse in a journey filled with the robust, smoky notes of ham, harmoniously balanced by the subtle sweetness of Lima beans.

Infused with a medley of aromatic herbs, each spoonful rewards with a hearty symphony that teases and gratifies the palate.

This wholesome, protein-packed feast warms your body and nourishes the soul, bridging the gap between nutrition and taste. Ideal for those cool nights or lazy Sunday afternoons, the Ham and Lima Bean Soup is a gentle reminder of life’s simple yet flavorful pleasures.

Savor the love in each bowl; let the magical dance of flavors transport you to gastronomic nirvana.

What Is Ham And Lima Bean Soup?

Ham and Lima Bean Soup is a hearty, nutrient-dense culinary delight where smoky, savory ham meets Lima beans’ mild, buttery essence. The soup, a wonderful blend of high-quality protein and fiber, is complemented with aromatic herbs and spices.

A steaming bowl offers a satisfying, wholesome meal, presenting a beautiful symphony of flavors. Reminiscent of home and comfort, it’s perfect for cool evenings or relaxed weekend afternoons. This soup not only tantalizes taste buds but also provides essential nutrients for health and wellness.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto Use ham as the primary protein source, and replace Lima beans with a lower-carb vegetable like zucchini or cauliflower. Add more fats, such as heavy cream or cheese, to enhance the soup’s creaminess.
Paleo Opt for high-quality, sugar-free ham. Substitute Lima beans with green beans or carrots, and ensure the stock used is grain-free.
Gluten-Free This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth doesn’t contain gluten additives. Always check the labels when using store-bought broth.
Whole30 Replace the traditional ham with a sugar-free and additive-free version. Use fresh Lima beans instead of canned ones, and ensure the broth is Whole30-compliant.
Vegetarian Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies or include tofu for added protein.
Vegan Follow the vegetarian version, but replace the butter often used for sautéing with olive or other plant-based oil.

Recipe Directions

Place lima beans in a Dutch oven, cover with water by 2 inches, and boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse beans; discard liquid.
In the same oven, cook onions and garlic until tender.
Add broth, ham, carrots, water, jalapeno, parsley, pepper, and lima beans, and boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes until beans are tender.
Serve hot, and enjoy.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

For a creamier texture, blend half the soup and mix it back in.
Add a dash of white wine for an elevated flavor profile.
Introduce other beans like chickpeas or kidney beans for variety.

Add-Ons

Enhance the protein content by adding diced chicken or tofu.
Introduce vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for a more nutrient-dense soup.
Add potatoes or barley to make it heartier.

Toppings

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of cream can add richness.
Crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms offer a delightful texture contrast.
Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese gives a lovely cheesy finish.
A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkling of chili flakes can add a spicy kick.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Place the lima beans in the slow cooker and cover with water. Let them soak overnight (skip the boiling step).
The next day, drain and rinse the beans.
In a skillet, sauté onions, and garlic until tender, then add them to the slow cooker.
Add the broth, ham, carrots, water, jalapeno, parsley, pepper, and the prepared beans to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.

Instant Pot

Follow the same initial steps as the original recipe for soaking and boiling the lima beans.
Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot, sauté onions and garlic until tender.
Add the broth, ham, carrots, water, jalapeno, parsley, pepper, and the prepared beans to the Instant Pot.
Close the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quickly release any remaining pressure.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

This convenient option saves time, especially in a rush. Look for low-sodium versions to control the amount of salt in your soup. Organic and preservative-free options can be healthier choices.

Homemade Broth

If you have the time, homemade broth often has a richer flavor and allows for more control over the ingredients, such as salt content and choice of vegetables and herbs. It can be made in large batches and frozen in portions for later use.

How To Serve ?

With a Side: While the soup can be a meal, it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.
Toppings: Enhance the flavor and texture by adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime. Crispy bacon bits or croutons could also add a delightful crunch.
In a Bread Bowl: For a unique and satisfying presentation, serve the soup in an edible bread bowl.
In a Mug: For a cozy, casual feel, especially in the winter months, serve the soup in a large mug.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread or Rolls: A slice of crusty bread or warm rolls can mop broth in your bowl.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey, crispy cheese sandwich could make for a hearty, comforting meal.
Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the heartiness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower can add a delightful crunch and flavor.
Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread could complement the savory soup wonderfully.
Quinoa or Brown Rice Salad: A high-protein grain salad could add more nutritional value to your meal.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover Ham and Lima Bean Soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld, enhancing the taste over time.
Freezing: This hearty soup freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance, excluding any pasta or delicate vegetables. Refrigerate the base and add these ingredients just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Thawing: When reheating frozen soup, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for better consistency.
Enhanced Flavor: For a more robust taste, consider making the soup a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Reheat and Eat: The most straightforward way is to reheat and serve it as is. Often, the flavors deepen overnight.
Stew Transformation: Thicken the soup with a bit of flour or cornstarch and serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty stew.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove until it’s thicker, and toss it with cooked pasta for a quick meal.
Filled Pancakes or Crepes: Use thickened soup as a savory filling for pancakes or crepes
Pot Pie Filling: Top the soup with a puff pastry lid and bake it in the oven for a quick pot pie.
Bread Bowl: Hollow out a loaf of bread and pour reheated soup inside for an edible bowl.
Risotto or Jambalaya Base: Use the soup as a flavorful base for dishes like risotto or jambalaya, adding rice and additional ingredients as needed.

TIPS

Citrus Zest Kick: Elevate your Ham and Lima Bean Soup by adding a burst of freshness with a sprinkle of citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest can uplift the flavors, offering a vibrant twist.
Herb Infusion: Introduce a garden-fresh vibe by infusing the soup with a medley of aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. The herbal notes will complement the hearty ham and creamy lima beans.
Smoky Sensation: Enhance the smokiness of the ham by incorporating a dash of smoked paprika. This subtle addition will add depth and complexity to each spoonful.
Grainy Goodness: Stir in a handful of cooked quinoa or barley for a wholesome, textured element. These grains not only contribute to the heartiness but also enrich the soup’s nutritional profile.
Cheese Melange: For a decadent touch, top each serving with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Parmesan. The cheesy goodness melds seamlessly with the savory ham and velvety lima beans.