Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe: Classic Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty ham and white bean soup that warms souls on chilly days.

Rich, savory aromas fill the kitchen with memories of home-cooked meals.

Tender white beans mingle with chunks of smoky ham, creating a robust and satisfying dish.

Generations have cherished this simple yet nourishing recipe passed down through kitchens.

Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of protein and flavor that speaks to traditional cooking.

Ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Dive into this classic recipe and savor every comforting bite.

How To Simmer Ham And White Bean Soup To Perfection

• Veggie Dance

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a sizzling pot with olive oil. Let them mingle and soften, releasing their sweet aromatics. Welcome garlic to the party, letting it whisper its fragrant secrets for a quick moment.

• Meaty Embrace

Introduce diced ham to the vegetable gathering. Sprinkle in thyme and a bay leaf, letting their herbal notes weave through the ingredients. Let everything cuddle and warm together, building depth of flavor.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour in chicken broth and water, welcoming creamy white beans to join the mix. Stir gently, creating a harmonious blend that promises comfort and warmth.

• Slow Magic

Allow the soup to bubble softly, then reduce to a gentle whisper. Cover and let ingredients meld, transforming into a soul-warming creation. Occasionally peek and stir, preventing any bottom-of-pot stickiness.

• Final Flourish

Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper as your palate desires. Pluck out the bay leaf like a magician removing a prop. Ladle into waiting bowls, crowned with fresh parsley.

• Cozy Moment

Serve alongside crusty bread, inviting friends and family to dive into this nourishing bowl of happiness.

Spice Up Ham And White Bean Soup With These Tips

• Soup Mastery Magic
• Slow Cooker Genius: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours, letting flavors develop beautifully without constant monitoring.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace ham with rotisserie chicken, smoked turkey, or plant-based sausage for different flavor profiles that keep the soup's hearty essence while accommodating dietary preferences.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium ham to control salt intake without sacrificing rich, savory taste. Balance flavors by adding extra herbs like rosemary or sage.
• Vegetarian Veggie Boost: For a meat-free version, substitute ham with roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu. Add extra vegetables like kale or spinach for additional nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Creamy Dream Hack: Blend a portion of the soup's beans before returning them to the pot, creating a naturally thickened, creamy texture without adding heavy cream, perfect for those wanting a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions For Ham And White Bean Soup

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Grab a thick slice of sourdough or crusty French bread to dunk into the hearty soup. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Herb Sprinkle Boost: Chop some fresh thyme or rosemary leaves to scatter on top for an extra aromatic touch that enhances the soup's savory profile. The green herbs create a beautiful color contrast against the creamy white soup.
• Winter Comfort Companion: Serve this soup alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich and warm ham and bean soup. The fresh greens will provide a light and refreshing complement to the comforting meal.
• Cheese Lover's Option: Grate some sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese over the top of the soup just before serving. The melting cheese adds a creamy texture and deepens the overall flavor complexity of the dish.

How To Store Ham And White Bean Soup For Later

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, this hearty soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavors and nutritious qualities.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight expansion room. Frozen soup keeps perfectly for up to 3 months, offering quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick during reheating.
• Portion Control Trick: Consider freezing soup in individual serving sizes using silicone muffin trays or small containers. Once frozen, transfer soup cubes to a freezer bag for easy single-serving meals that defrost quickly and prevent waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 94 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Ham And White Bean Soup

• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that builds depth of flavor in the soup.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing nutritional value.
• Celery: Provides a subtle, fresh crunch and earthy undertone to the soup's base.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, pungent kick that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Ham: Introduces a smoky, salty element that adds richness and substance to the soup.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: These herbs infuse the soup with complex, warming aromatics and subtle earthy notes.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory, heartwarming liquid base that intensifies the soup's flavor.
• Water: Helps balance and thin the broth to desired consistency.
• White Beans: Provides creamy texture, plant-based protein, and a hearty, satisfying element.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste, allowing ingredients to shine.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish with a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Kitchen Gear For Ham And White Bean Soup

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for dicing ham, chopping vegetables, and cutting parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, water, and seasonings.
• Ladle: Used for serving soup into bowls.

Hearty Ham And White Bean Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and white bean soup brings comfort from Italian countryside kitchens. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warm meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (300 g) cooked ham, diced
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crusty bread or crackers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic, diced ham, bay leaf, and thyme, stirring to create a rich, fragrant foundation that will infuse the entire soup with depth and complexity.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour in chicken broth and water, then gently incorporate white beans, ensuring even distribution throughout the pot.
4. Simmering Transformation: Bring the mixture to a brief boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and beans to become perfectly tender.
5. Final Touches: Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, then serve piping hot in bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• Manage Bean Texture: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent unwanted starchiness, ensuring a cleaner soup consistency.
• Control Simmering Temperature: Maintain a gentle, low heat to prevent bean breakage and preserve their delicate structure during cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a parmesan rind during simmering to introduce subtle umami notes and create a more complex taste profile.
• Dietary Adaptation: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and use smoked tofu instead of ham to maintain rich, smoky undertones.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 94
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg