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Irresistible Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Perfect Comfort

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A rich and hearty soup made with smoky ham, creamy beans, and savory broth, perfect for chilly days and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced or shredded
  • 1 pound dry white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern beans)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 1 cup potatoes, diced
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: 2 cups spinach or kale
  • Optional: Parmesan rind

Instructions

  1. Dice the ham, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Rinse the dry beans under cold water.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the beans are tender, stir in the diced ham. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy warm!

Notes

[‘Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.’, ‘Allow the soup to simmer gently to develop full flavors.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.’, ‘Add greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for freshness.’, “If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water or extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.”]

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham and Bean Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Meal Prep Soup, Gluten-Free Soup

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/irresistible-ham-and-bean-soup-recipe-for-perfect-comfort/