How to Thicken Ham and Bean Soup

1. Use a roux:

- A roux is a mixture of flour and fat cooked together. It is one of the most common ways to thicken soups and stews.

- To make a roux, heat some oil or butter in a pan and add an equal amount of flour. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown.

- Add the roux to the soup and stir until it is completely dissolved. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until it has reached your desired consistency.

2. Use cornstarch:

- Cornstarch is another common thickening agent that can be used in ham and bean soup.

- To use cornstarch, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth paste.

- Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup and stir until it is completely dissolved. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until it has reached your desired consistency.

3. Use flour:

- Flour can also be used to thicken ham and bean soup.

- To use flour, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour directly to the soup. Whisk vigorously until the flour is completely dissolved. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until it has reached your desired consistency.

4. Use potato:

- Potatoes can be used to thicken soups and stews. They add a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

- To use potatoes, peel and cube 2-3 potatoes. Add the potatoes to the soup and cook until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and then mash them. Add the mashed potatoes back to the soup and stir until it is well combined.

5. Use beans:

- Beans can also be used to thicken ham and bean soup. They add a natural thickening agent called amylase.

- To use beans, cook the beans according to the package instructions. Add the beans to the soup and stir until it is well combined.

6. Reduce the liquid:

- Another way to thicken ham and bean soup is to reduce the liquid.

- To do this, simply simmer the soup over medium heat until it has reached your desired consistency.

7. Add heavy cream:

- If you want a richer, creamier soup, you can add some heavy cream.

- To do this, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, or until the cream has heated through.

8. Add cheese:

- Cheese can also be used to thicken ham and bean soup. It adds a rich, savory flavor.

- To do this, stir in 1/2 cup of grated cheese to the soup and cook until the cheese has melted and the soup has thickened.