This White Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables all simmered to perfection. The hearty broth is rich with flavor, making every spoonful a warm hug on a cold day.
Ideal for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, this soup is easy to make and even better as leftovers. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to each bowl, balancing the richness of the ham and beans. Whether you’re using a ham bone or diced ham, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your winter recipe rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb. ham bone (or 2 cups diced ham)
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2 cups dry white beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini)
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8 cups chicken broth
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp thyme
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Rinse the white beans under cold water and set aside.
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
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Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Add the ham bone (or diced ham), white beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened.
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If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot and shred the meat. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
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Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comforting White Bean and Ham Soup: A Hearty Meal for Every Season
White Bean and Ham Soup is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that evokes warm memories of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and chilly winter nights. Whether you’re preparing it on a cold day or simply craving a hearty, filling soup, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s a dish that brings together the savory richness of ham, the creaminess of white beans, and the deep, aromatic flavors from vegetables and herbs. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and soul.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of ingredients in White Bean and Ham Soup creates a symphony of tastes that are both satisfying and nourishing. The ham provides a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the broth as it simmers, while the white beans, such as Great Northern or Cannellini beans, add a creamy texture that perfectly complements the meat. The vegetables onions, carrots, and celery bring a mild sweetness and freshness, which balances the richness of the ham. A few herbs like thyme and bay leaf elevate the taste, adding subtle aromatic notes that make the soup feel more complex than the sum of its parts.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There are no complicated or hard-to-find ingredients; it’s all about how you bring them together to create something greater. The broth thickens naturally as the beans cook, adding a comforting, velvety texture that coats the beans and ham. The soup is not overly heavy, yet it leaves you feeling full and satisfied, making it the perfect option for a filling lunch or dinner.
Why White Bean and Ham Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This soup is versatile and can be enjoyed year round. In the winter, it provides the perfect respite from cold weather, warming you up with every spoonful. In the fall, it pairs wonderfully with the changing leaves, offering a comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. And while it’s great for any season, it’s especially perfect during the holidays when ham leftovers are abundant. It allows you to stretch your ham and make the most out of a big roast, transforming it into a delicious soup that your family will love.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about White Bean and Ham Soup is that it makes fantastic leftovers. In fact, many people agree that this soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld and deepen. It’s perfect for meal prepping or making a big batch on a Sunday for meals throughout the week. The soup stores well in the fridge for several days and can also be frozen for up to three months, making it a great option for preparing in advance.
When reheating, you’ll notice that the soup thickens slightly as it sits, which makes it even more satisfying. You can always add a little bit of extra broth or water to adjust the consistency to your liking. Additionally, this soup is incredibly customizable, so feel free to add more vegetables, like spinach or kale, to increase the nutritional value, or swap out the ham for other proteins, like sausage or chicken, depending on what you have available.
Nutritional Benefits
White Bean and Ham Soup is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, including folate, iron, and magnesium. They’re low in fat and can help improve digestive health due to their high fiber content. When combined with the lean protein from the ham, this soup becomes a balanced, nourishing meal that supports energy and well-being.
In addition to the beans and ham, the vegetables in the soup provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost immunity and overall health. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, while celery is high in vitamin K, both of which support eye health and the cardiovascular system. The herbs used, like thyme and bay leaves, not only add flavor but also offer anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Customization Ideas
Although this recipe is delicious on its own, it’s highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and add additional beans or even lentils to create a satisfying, protein packed soup. For those who love a bit of spice, adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño will bring a subtle heat to the soup.
For a creamier version, consider blending a portion of the soup and then returning it to the pot for a velvety, smooth texture. You could also throw in a handful of greens like kale or spinach toward the end of cooking to add more depth and nutritional value. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free or make your own stock from scratch to control the ingredients.
If you prefer a more substantial meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a slice of cornbread. The bread can be used to soak up the rich broth, adding another layer of texture and flavor to your meal. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, creating a well rounded and satisfying meal.
A Soup for Every Generation
White Bean and Ham Soup is a dish that’s loved across generations. It’s the type of meal that reminds us of family gatherings, cozy nights at home, and childhood memories of being tucked in with a warm bowl of soup. This is a dish that feels like home, no matter where you are or what your circumstances may be. It’s easy to make, yet so incredibly satisfying that it brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or even a solo meal on a quiet evening.
For families with young children, this soup is a great way to introduce them to the flavors of beans and ham, which are often overlooked in favor of more common protein sources like chicken or beef. The soft texture of the beans and the mild flavor of the ham make this soup kid friendly, and it’s an excellent choice for getting your little ones to eat their vegetables.
Conclusion
White Bean and Ham Soup is a timeless recipe that combines simple ingredients into a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day, use up some leftover ham, or create a nourishing meal for your family, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for meal prep, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
With its rich flavor, nutritional benefits, and versatility, this soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a perfect recipe to make your home feel cozy and inviting, especially during those chilly months when all you want is something warm to eat. Serve it with a smile, and it’s bound to bring happiness to anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. So, next time you’re in need of a comforting meal, reach for this White Bean and Ham Soup you won’t be disappointed.