Introduction
The aroma of simmering comfort, a symphony of savory goodness, and a dish that warms you from the inside out—that’s the promise of a classic ham and bean soup. It’s a taste of home, a celebration of simplicity, and the perfect antidote to a chilly evening. But who has time to spend hours slaving over a pot on the stove these days? This is where the magic of the Instant Pot enters the scene. The modern kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot, has revolutionized how we cook, offering the ability to create amazing meals with minimal effort and lightning-fast speeds.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility, not just in terms of flavor but also in its ability to make the most of leftovers. Did you recently enjoy a holiday ham? Don’t let that delicious meat go to waste! This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is the ideal way to transform leftover ham into a satisfying and flavorful meal, stretching those ingredients and creating something truly special. The melding of smoky ham, tender beans, and a flavorful broth is a culinary experience that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
This recipe showcases the incredible simplicity of the Instant Pot. It’s a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and more, all rolled into one convenient appliance. This method significantly cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods, turning a potentially long cooking process into a quick and easy one. You will soon discover how to effortlessly whip up a warming, hearty dish in a fraction of the time.
This guide is your key to unlocking a world of culinary comfort. We’ll dive deep into creating the best Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the pressure cooking process. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any weeknight meal, particularly when you have some leftover ham to use.
Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece: Gathering Your Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies not just in its flavor but also in the simplicity of its ingredients. You’ll likely have many of these items readily available in your pantry and refrigerator. Let’s gather the necessary components for this heartwarming Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup:
The Star: Ham
The heart of the dish, providing that distinctive smoky and savory flavor. You can utilize leftover ham from a holiday meal, a ham hock, or even pre-diced ham from the grocery store. The amount of ham you use depends on your preference for a meatier soup. Aim for roughly two to three cups of diced ham for a generous serving. If using a ham hock, include one, which you will remove later after cooking, as it will contribute to the soup’s overall flavor.
The Foundation: Dried Beans
The backbone of the soup. Great Northern beans, Northern beans, or a blend of your favorite beans work wonderfully here. One pound of dried beans is usually the correct amount for a large batch of soup. A crucial note: while not strictly mandatory, soaking the beans overnight can significantly reduce the cooking time in your Instant Pot. If you don’t have time to soak, don’t worry; the Instant Pot can still work wonders with unsoaked beans, although you might need to increase the cooking time.
Aromatic All-Stars: Onion, Carrots, and Celery
The classic mirepoix, the aromatic base for any fantastic soup. Roughly chop one large onion, two to three carrots (peeled and chopped), and two to three celery stalks (chopped). These vegetables will contribute depth of flavor and texture to the soup.
The Flavor Enhancer: Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire soup. Use three to four cloves of garlic, minced finely.
The Liquid Gold: Chicken or Vegetable Broth
This will be the liquid base that carries all the other flavors. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the finished soup. You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. The broth will also contribute to the overall flavor profile, so selecting a high-quality brand makes a difference. You will need about eight cups of broth, but the exact amount may vary depending on your Instant Pot model.
Subtle Depth: Bay Leaf
A single bay leaf adds a subtle yet crucial layer of herbal depth to the soup. It will be removed after cooking.
Smoky Undertones (Optional): Smoked Paprika
This spice adds a hint of smokiness that complements the ham perfectly. You can start with one teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
Seasoning Essentials: Salt and Pepper
Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the ham will already contribute saltiness to the soup, so season accordingly and adjust at the end.
Garnish and Finishing Touches: Optional Toppings
These are the elements that will take the soup from good to exceptional. Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness, a dollop of sour cream adds richness, or a drizzle of hot sauce adds a touch of heat, all are welcome.
The Culinary Journey: Bringing It All Together
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together in your Instant Pot and create a magical Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Preparing for Perfection
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform sizes. Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water, especially if they haven’t been pre-soaked. Dice or shred the ham, setting it aside until later.
Unveiling the Flavors: The Sauté Function
Engage the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil to the pot. Once the oil is heated, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This initial sauté process draws out their natural sweetness and creates a flavor base for the soup.
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
The Gathering of the Components
Add the rinsed beans, diced ham (or ham hock), chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. If using smoked paprika, add it at this point as well. Stir everything gently to combine.
The Pressure Cooking Ritual
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is in the “sealing” position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting. If you have soaked your beans, set the cook time for thirty to forty minutes. If you’re using unsoaked beans, increase the cook time to forty-five to sixty minutes. The exact time depends on the type and age of your beans.
The Natural Pressure Release: Patience Is Key
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR). This is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld and the beans to cook through completely. Do not manually release the pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for at least fifteen to twenty minutes, or fully. The longer NPR period will result in softer beans and better flavor.
Unveiling the Soup: Final Touches
Carefully release any remaining pressure manually by carefully turning the pressure release valve to the “venting” position. Open the Instant Pot lid. Remove the bay leaf.
Achieving Desired Consistency: Thickening (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can partially mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender to gently puree a portion of the soup. Be careful not to over-blend; a little bit of texture is delightful.
Season and Savor: The Finishing Touches
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The ham will already contribute some saltiness, so add it gradually and check the seasoning as you go. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Presenting Perfection: Serving and Serving Suggestions
Once your Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is ready, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Elevating the Experience: Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup in warm bowls for maximum comfort. Encourage each person to customize their bowl.
The Art of Garnishing: Topping Ideas
Consider these delectable toppings:
- Freshly chopped parsley, a vibrant herb that adds freshness and brightness.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for richness and tang.
- A drizzle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- A swirl of olive oil for added flavor.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory note.
The Perfect Accompaniment: Side Dish Pairings
Pair the soup with these delightful side dishes:
- Cornbread: A Southern classic that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Recipe Card: Your Culinary Blueprint
Here is the recipe, formatted for easy reference:
Title: Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes (depending on bean type and whether beans were pre-soaked)
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes (excluding pre-soaking time)
- Servings: Serves approximately 6-8 people
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups diced ham (or one ham hock)
- 1 pound dried beans (Great Northern, Northern, or a bean blend)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: Fresh parsley, sour cream, hot sauce, olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare all ingredients (dice vegetables, rinse beans, dice ham).
- Turn on the sauté function of your Instant Pot. Add a tablespoon or two of oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about five to seven minutes, until softened. Add garlic and sauté for one minute more, until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed beans, ham (or ham hock), broth, bay leaf, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
- Close the lid and seal the Instant Pot. Select the manual or pressure cook setting. Cook for 30-40 minutes for soaked beans, or 45-60 minutes for unsoaked beans.
- Allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 15-20 minutes or fully.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure. Remove the bay leaf.
- If desired, mash some beans to thicken the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with desired toppings and side dishes.
Notes:
- If using a ham hock, remove it after cooking. Shred any meat from the hock and return it to the soup.
- Adjust the cook time based on your bean type and if they have been soaked.
Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Culinary Comfort
Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the journey of creating a delicious Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup. You now have a recipe that is both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying to savor. This dish is a testament to the power of home cooking, the ability to use readily available ingredients, and the convenience of modern kitchen technology.
This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It is the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, and a delicious way to repurpose leftovers. The blend of flavors and textures, the ease of preparation, and the ultimate comfort it provides make it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
We encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with the ingredients, and make it your own. Feel free to add your personal touch and share your creative variations in the comments. Perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite addition or a unique way to serve this classic dish.
We also hope you share this recipe with your friends and family. Spread the joy of Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup with those you love. It’s a dish meant to be shared, creating warmth and connection around the table.
Finally, remember the versatility of your Instant Pot. This appliance can make a whole host of other recipes just as delicious, so keep exploring and experimenting in your culinary adventures.
