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
Scale
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.
