If you are searching for a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than the Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight! This recipe combines tender white beans and savory ham with the vibrant goodness of fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a nourishing and satisfying dish. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave comfort, this soup has a velvety texture and layered flavors that will keep you coming back for spoonful after spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the sweetness of carrots to the smokiness of ham, every component works harmoniously.
- Olive oil: The base that gently sautés the vegetables, adding a subtle fruitiness and richness.
- Onion: Provides a savory foundation with natural sweetness once cooked.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic punch that deepens the overall flavor.
- Carrots: Contribute sweetness and a lovely orange hue, brightening up the soup visually and taste-wise.
- Celery: Offers a crisp, fresh undertone to balance out richness.
- Cooked white beans: The star ingredient delivering a creamy texture and hearty bite.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the flavor light and allows the ham and herbs to shine.
- Diced cooked ham: Brings smoky, salty depth and protein to make the soup genuinely filling.
- Bay leaf: Infuses gentle herbal notes throughout the cooking process.
- Dried thyme: Adds earthiness and warmth to complement the beans and ham.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Enhances smokiness while giving a slight color boost.
- Salt (to taste): Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- Chopped kale or spinach (optional): A splash of green for nutrition and vibrance in the final dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish to finish.
How to Make Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness and fragrance. This step builds the aromatic base that makes the soup so inviting.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn it because garlic can become bitter if overcooked. This quick step enhances the soup’s depth and aroma wonderfully.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Pour in the cooked white beans, diced ham, and chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Bringing the soup to a gentle boil helps blend the flavors beautifully before the slow simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the beans and ham to impart their full flavor into the broth, producing a rich and hearty meal. The kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Step 5: Add Greens and Season
If you’re including kale or spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt slightly but remain bright and fresh, adding a lovely texture and nutrition boost. Taste the soup and add salt as needed, then remove the bay leaf before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight!
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over each bowl adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that complements the smoky, savory flavor of the ham beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs incredibly well with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping, perfect for soaking up the rich broth. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth and heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or garnished with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess. You could even drizzle a splash of good-quality olive oil or squeeze some fresh lemon juice to brighten acidity and lift the flavors further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick dinners later in the week. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight! freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, providing a ready-made comfort food option whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the greens to preserve their color and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ham with another protein?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted pork or turkey works well in this recipe too, adding a different but equally delicious smoky flavor.
Do I have to use white beans?
White beans like cannellini or great northern are preferred for their creamy texture, but you could use other beans such as navy or baby lima. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if using dried beans.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight! a safe option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra herbs or smoked paprika for that smoky depth.
What is the best way to thicken the soup?
For a thicker soup, try mashing some of the white beans with the back of a spoon before stirring in the greens. This naturally thickens the broth without needing flour or cream.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sitting down with a warm bowl of Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight! It brings together comfort, nutrition, and deliciousness in one pot, making any day feel a little brighter and cozier. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover how wonderful, hearty, and convenient homemade soup can be!
Print
Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup: A Cozy Delight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal featuring tender cooked ham, creamy white beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying dish full of warmth and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Sauce and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- salt to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or great northern)
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them until they are softened and fragrant, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become aromatic without burning.
- Add Main Ingredients and Seasoning: Add the cooked white beans, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to develop depth.
- Add Greens: If using kale or spinach, stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking just until wilted but still vibrant in color.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and add salt as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- For a thicker, creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the greens.
- You can substitute the ham with leftover roasted pork or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
- Enhance the flavors by adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving.
