Aisha Zakari
Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve food and soups for longer periods of time. In addition, freezing also helps enrich the taste and flavor of food products if stored and packaged the right way. So, can you freeze ham and bean soup? Yes.
Ham and bean soup can be frozen and can stay for about 3 months in the freezer if stored and packaged the right way. In this article, we walk you through how best you can freeze your ham and bean soup, the best tips to adopt, and how to defrost them. So, if you want to know more about this hearty dish, read on to find out.
What Exactly Are Ham and Bean Soup?
Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty dish that is a combination of beans, vegetables, cooked ham, and a blend of spices such as chili powder, garlic, pepper, salt, etc. This combination is cooked on low for 4-6 hours to properly cook and soften the beans. At the same time, the flavor is intensified to give a distinct and robust aroma.
How To Freeze Ham and Bean Soup
When you next have leftover Ham and Bean Soup at home, you may begin to wonder what you can do with it—should I freeze it? To answer your question, “Can you freeze ham and bean soup?” The answer is yes, and these are the proper steps to take:
STEP 1: Let It Cool
The number one rule of thumb for freezing food products is to allow them to cool off completely, especially when hot or out of the oven. Always allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. This way, you don’t affect the quality of the soup.
STEP 2: Get an Air-Tight Container or Freezer Bags
Now, portion the soup into an airtight plastic container or freezer bag. Make sure that you close the lid of the container tightly and firmly. If you are using freezer bags, seal the ends.
STEP 3: Label and Record
Lastly, using a marker pen, record today’s date in the airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can easily remember when you made the soup and how long it has been in the freezer. Place the soup in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How Long Can You Freeze Ham and Bean Soup?
You can freeze ham and bean soup for about 3 months in the freezer.
We recommend you consume ham and bean soup within these 3 months because, beyond this time, the soup may start to lose its original taste and texture.
6 Tips For Freezing Ham and Bean Soup
When it comes to the question, “Can you freeze Ham and Bean soup?” The answer is yes, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. To freeze the best way, consider following these tips:
TIP 1: Allow ham and bean soup to cool down completely.
TIP 2: Choose clean and functioning airtight containers with lids or highly durable freezer bags.
TIP 3: Consider dividing soups into portions that are sizeable for an individual. This way, it is easier for you to grab a portion for defrosting and reheating
TIP 4: Properly label the package to keep track of the storage date.
TIP 5: Leave room for expansion when filling the airtight container. Do not fill the container to the rim.
TIP 6: Push excess air out of the freezer bag before sealing it and placing it in the freezer.
How Do You Defrost Ham and Bean Soup?
When you are ready to defrost Ham and Bean soup, you want to make sure you do so properly and let it defrost completely. The best method to defrost ham and bean soup is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This gives it adequate time to defrost completely and evenly
Another method you can adopt to defrost ham and bean soup is a cold water bath. Allow the bowl of Ham and Bean Soup to sit or be submerged in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 20 minutes to ensure it defrosts completely. It generally takes 2–3 hours for it to be fully defrosted.
Once you have defrosted the Ham and Bean Soup, transfer it to a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes before consuming.
How To Tell If Your Frozen Ham and Bean Soup Is Bad
If you do not package and store your Ham and Bean Soup, it will most likely go bad. Here are signs to tell if your frozen ham and bean soup has gone bad:
- Unpleasant odor and taste
- Slimy texture
- The appearance of colors and molds
Conclusion
In conclusion to “Can you freeze Ham and Bean Soup?” they can be frozen successfully, provided you package them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You should check out: Can you freeze soaked beans?
FAQs
Can you freeze ham and beans after cooking?
Yes, you. To ensure proper freezing, allow ham and beans to cool down completely before packaging them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Place them in the freezer for about 3 months.
Does bean soup freeze well?
Bean soup freezes well, provided it is stored properly in containers or freezer bags. They are a great source of protein and can be stored for later consumption.
How long does homemade ham and bean soup last in the fridge?
Homemade ham and bean soup can last in the fridge for 4 days. Let it cool off completely before packaging it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Can you refreeze ham and bean soup?
We recommend that you do not refreeze ham and bean soup if you have defrosted it previously. Refreezing ham and bean soup is not advised because this gives room for bacterial growth and negatively affects the taste and texture of the soup. If you must freeze them again, place them in the refrigerator after defrosting and consume them in a matter of days to keep them from going bad.
Does ham and bean soup freeze well?
Yes, ham and bean soup freezes extremely well. Remember to always properly package soup in airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the freezer for about 3 months.
