11/18/2015
Well, Thanksgiving is upon us! I know how hectic holidays can be, what with family and feast preparation and all...so I decided to make a decidedly non-Thanksgiving soup for you this weekend, so that you can have a go-to meal you don't have to cook yourself: White Bean and Ham!
It all starts with the hams. I will carve the meat off of two bone-in hams, then take those bones and simmer them in a big ol' vat of white beans for a deep, smoky flavor. While the beans are soaking up the hammy goodness, I'll get the supporting veggies together. Onions, carrots, celery, leeks, and a touch of garlic will all get sauteed in some olive oil. Then I will throw in the chopped ham to get things really going. I'll add a couple of beers to the brew, to make sure I activate all those alcohol-soluble flavor compounds. Then I'll hit each pot with some home-made chicken stock. The prepared beans get added next, and some fresh parsley, thyme, and sage from my garden will round out the flavors. This soup will be silky, thick, and hearty, with nice bites of veggies, and some toothsome white beans to keep things interesting. All you need is bread and butter, and your meal is complete.