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Irresistible White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

white bean and ham soup - featured image

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender white beans, smoky ham, and fragrant herbs, perfect for chilly evenings or using up holiday leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
  4. Add the ham and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and add the white beans, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that the ham may already be salty.
  8. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup for a creamier texture while still leaving chunks of beans and ham.
  9. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

[‘Letting the soup simmer allows the flavors to develop fully.’, ‘Use quality chicken broth for better flavor.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.’, ‘Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld over time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, ham soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, gluten-free soup