Dad's Lima Bean Soup with Ham Bone

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There's something comforting about a bowl of hot soup on a cold day.

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Dad's Lima Bean Soup with Ham Bone
Prep
20 min
Cook
4 hr 10 min
Total
5 hr 30 min
Servings
8

Method

  1. In a large saucepan, combine the ham bone and 8 cups of water. Simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 2 hours until the remaining meat falls off the bone.

  2. Remove and discard the ham bone. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a bowl.

  3. In a separate large pot, place the lima beans and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.

  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. Add the cooked ham bone meat, lima beans, and diced ham to the skillet. Reduce the heat and simmer, adding additional water as needed, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency, which should take approximately 90 minutes.

  6. Stir in the carrots, salt, pepper, and parsley into the soup. Let it simmer until the carrots are soft, which should take about 30 minutes more.

  7. If you don't have a ham bone, you can substitute it with 1/2 pound of bacon or salt pork. Add the bacon or pork to a pan over medium heat and let it cook for a few minutes. Then, add the onions and celery, and cook and stir until the onions are translucent and the

About this recipe

Introduction

There's something comforting about a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. And when it comes to comforting soups, nothing beats Dad's Lima Bean Soup with Ham Bone. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and each time it's made, it brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fireplace.

The Perfect Combination

What makes Dad's Lima Bean Soup truly special is the combination of tender lima beans and a flavorful ham bone. It's like a symphony of flavors that come together to create a rich and hearty soup that warms your soul. The lima beans soak up all the deliciousness from the ham bone, resulting in a soup that is both nutritious and delicious.

The Slow Cooker Magic

One of the best things about Dad's Lima Bean Soup is that it's cooked in a slow cooker. This means you can simply throw all the ingredients in the pot, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker works its magic, slowly simmering the soup to perfection. The result is a soup that is tender, flavorful, and infused with the comforting aroma of ham and beans.

Preparing the Ham Bone

Before you can start making Dad's Lima Bean Soup, you need to prepare the ham bone. This step is crucial, as the ham bone is what gives the soup its distinctive flavor. Simply place the ham bone in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few hours until the meat easily falls off the bone. Once the ham bone is ready, you can proceed with making the soup.

The Simple Recipe

Making Dad's Lima Bean Soup is incredibly easy. Once you have the cooked ham bone, all you need to do is add it to the slow cooker along with lima beans, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and some seasonings. Let it cook on low heat for several hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. The result is a soup that is both comforting and satisfying.

The Versatility of Lima Beans

Lima beans are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them a favorite ingredient in many cuisines around the world. So, if you have some leftover lima beans from making Dad's Lima Bean Soup, don't hesitate to get creative in the kitchen.

The Perfect Pairing

Dad's Lima Bean Soup pairs perfectly with a crusty bread or a side salad. The combination of the warm, comforting soup and the crunchy, fresh bread or salad is simply unbeatable. It's a match made in food heaven. So, the next time you make Dad's Lima Bean Soup, don't forget to grab some bread or whip up a quick salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Dad's Lima Bean Soup with Ham Bone is not just a soup, it's a taste of nostalgia and family traditions. It's a soup that warms your heart and nourishes your body. So, the next time you're craving a comforting bowl of soup, give Dad's Lima Bean Soup a try. You won't be disappointed.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use canned lima beans instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use canned lima beans if you're short on time. However, keep in mind that dried lima beans have a better texture and absorb more flavors.

. Can I use a different type of bean?

While the recipe calls for lima beans, you can experiment with other types of beans like navy beans or cannellini beans for a different twist.

. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze Dad's Lima Bean Soup for future meals. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

. Can I substitute the ham bone with ham hocks?

Yes, you can use ham hocks instead of a ham bone. They will add a similar smoky flavor to the soup.

. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, or green beans to customize the soup to your liking.

. How long does the soup need to cook in the slow cooker?

The soup should cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Dad's Lima Bean Soup on the stovetop. Simply simmer the soup on low heat for a few hours until the beans are tender.

. Can I add herbs and spices to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor of the soup.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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