Ham (Boning) It Up
It was Boxing Day, the table was cleared, the leftovers were refrigerated, and the dishes were done. It was then that my mother started taking bids for the ham bone. I was the top bidder (only fair, considering my sister got the turkey carcass) and brought home a juicy, smoked ham bone to make a pot of soup.
I usually make green pea soup with the ham bone, but this year I came across a delicious mixed bean soup mix and decided to use it in place of split green peas. I was familiar with a number of Bob’s Red Mill products—pancake mix, flour, and hot cereals, but the 13 Bean Soup Mix is by far my new favourite.
Simple to make, delicious, and high in fibre and protein, 13 Bean Soup Mix was a huge hit. Monday is hockey night, so I figured soup would be the perfect meal to help keep us warm at the rink. After two bowls of soup, a crusty whole wheat dinner roll, and a glass of milk, we were ready to face the elements. I modified the recipe on the package to include a couple of additional ingredients.
Hearty Bean & Ham Soup
You’ll Need
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix
- 2.5 L water
- 1 ham bone
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 15oz can tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup leftover ham, chopped
Prep and Cook
- Wash soup mix and soak overnight.
- In the morning, drain and rinse bean mix.
- Bring water, beans and ham bone to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 3-3 ½ hrs.
- Add onions, tomatoes, garlic, carrots and ham and simmer an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or dinner rolls warmed in the oven.
What’s your family’s favourite soup recipe?
