This cozy green bean soup is packed with tender beans and delicious smoked ham. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a chilly day, making you feel right at home!
I always enjoy a big bowl of this soup with a piece of crusty bread. It just feels like a hug in a bowl! Trust me, you’ll want seconds for those chilly nights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe, but frozen beans can work in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times, as frozen beans may cook quicker.
Smoked Ham: I love the flavor that smoked ham adds, but you can swap it for turkey, bacon, or even a vegetarian option like smoked tempeh if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
Broth: Chicken broth brings rich flavor, but feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is splendid if you have it on hand! It adds a personal touch to your soup.
Sour Cream: I prefer sour cream for its tangy flavor, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier twist. Just add it off the heat to keep it creamy!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Smoked Ham?
To maximize the smoky flavor, it’s essential to sauté the smoked ham with the vegetables. This step helps release the ham’s savory taste into the soup. Here’s how:
- Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add it after sautéing the aromatics, letting it cook for about 3 minutes.
- This keeps the ham tender while allowing its flavor to infuse the broth.
What’s the Secret to Creamy Soup without Curdling?
Incorporating sour cream can sometimes lead to curdling if added too quickly. To avoid this, follow these steps:
- Reduce the heat before adding sour cream to prevent it from boiling.
- Add the sour cream gradually, stirring constantly to mix it smoothly.
- Heat gently for a few minutes to warm it through without boiling.
The result will be a beautifully creamy soup that’s comforting and delicious!
Cozy Transylvanian Green Bean Soup with Smoked Ham
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Soup:
- 500 g (about 1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
- 200 ml (¾ cup) sour cream or crème fraîche
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- Bread, for serving
- Optional: extra sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make this delicious soup is about 40 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 30 minutes cooking everything together. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add Your Veggies:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften and become fragrant.
3. Incorporate the Ham:
Stir in the diced smoked ham, letting it cook for about 3 minutes. This step allows the flavors from the ham to blend into the other ingredients nicely.
4. Flavor It Up:
Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine and ensure that all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Bring on the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Cook the Green Beans:
Add the green beans to the pot, and let them cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until both the green beans and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally to keep everything mixed.
7. Finish It Off:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream slowly, mixing continuously to avoid curdling. Heat everything gently for another 2-3 minutes without bringing it to a boil.
8. Season to Taste:
Finally, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley if you like, alongside a piece of crusty bread and a little extra sour cream on the side. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Transylvanian green bean soup!
FAQ for Cozy Transylvanian Green Bean Soup with Smoked Ham
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! You can substitute frozen green beans for fresh. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans tend to cook a bit faster. Add them in during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Ham?
If you need a substitute for smoked ham, consider using diced turkey, bacon, or even smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just remember that these may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly!
How Long Will Leftover Soup Last in the Fridge?
Your leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to add the sour cream right before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
