Warm & Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Comfort arrives in a hearty white bean and ham soup, warming your soul with every spoonful.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through the aroma of simmering ingredients.

Rustic and satisfying, this classic dish combines simple pantry staples into a nourishing meal.

Rich broth embraces tender beans and savory ham pieces, creating a symphony of flavors.

Chunky vegetables add depth and texture to each delightful bite.

Winter evenings call for something substantial and soul-soothing like this traditional recipe.

You’ll find yourself ladling pure happiness into bowls, eager to savor every comforting spoonful.

What Makes White Bean And Ham Soup So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A robust soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich blend of ham, vegetables, and beans, perfect for satisfying hunger and soul.
• Master Simple Cooking: Minimal chopping and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different beans or meats, letting you personalize the dish to your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Nourish Whole Family: Packed with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, this soup delivers balanced nutrition that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.

What You Need For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté vegetables and create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic vegetable blend that provides depth and sweetness to the soup's base.

• Ham, Ham Bone: Adds rich, smoky flavor and provides meaty texture to the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid base and enhances overall flavor profile.
• White Beans: Provides creamy texture and additional protein to the soup.
• Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbal seasonings that contribute complex and subtle aromatic notes.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the ham and vegetables.

Instructions For White Bean And Ham Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté until vegetables turn translucent and soft, roughly 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Bloom Garlic Essence

Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for 30 seconds, preventing burning and releasing fragrant notes.

Step 3: Brown Protein Elements

Add diced ham and ham bone into the vegetable blend. Allow meat to caramelize and develop deep, robust flavors.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Water

• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf
• Black pepper
• Salt

Blend ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Incorporate Hearty Beans

Gently fold white beans into the pot, ensuring even distribution across the liquid.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring soup to a gentle boil, then lower heat. Simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and liquid to slightly condense.

Step 7: Final Preparation

Remove bay leaf and ham bone. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 8: Serve Warm Comfort

Ladle steaming soup into bowls, guaranteeing each serving contains a perfect balance of beans, vegetables, and ham.

Helpful Tips For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Soften Vegetables Perfectly: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent to release their natural sweetness and create a flavorful base for the soup.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Add minced garlic for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid bitter flavors and maximize its aromatic potential.
• Develop Rich Meat Flavors: Brown ham pieces lightly to enhance their depth and create a more complex taste profile in the soup.
• Balance Liquid and Seasoning: Use a combination of chicken broth and water, then season carefully with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to create a well-rounded flavor.
• Simmer for Maximum Taste: Let the soup cook slowly uncovered, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop a rich, hearty consistency.

Flavorful Variations For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Vegetarian White Bean Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Bean Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a zesty flavor profile, top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
• Mediterranean Herb Soup: Swap thyme for oregano and rosemary, incorporate diced tomatoes and spinach, finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Hearty Bean Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free broth and check ham for potential gluten contamination, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

What Goes Well With White Bean And Ham Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's richness, balancing its hearty ham and bean flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Toasted slices provide a crunchy contrast to the soup's soft beans and tender ham, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Match with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grate aged cheddar over the soup or serve alongside as a side, adding a tangy, salty complement that enhances the ham's smoky undertones.
• Complement with Crisp Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the warm, comforting soup.

Storage Tips For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to ensure even heating.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform temperature throughout the soup.

White Bean And Ham Soup FAQs

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute dried beans with canned white beans. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup, and reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes since canned beans are already cooked.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure the ham is free from gluten-containing additives.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ham with smoked tofu or plant-based ham alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian version.

Smoky White Bean And Ham Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean and ham soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, warming souls with each spoonful. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb ham, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans
• 1 lb ham bone (optional)

Vegetables:

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate diced ham and ham bone (if using) into the vegetable mixture, allowing the meat to lightly brown and develop deep, rich flavors.
4. Pour in chicken broth and water, then add dried thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Gently introduce white beans to the pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
7. Remove bay leaf and ham bone before serving, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Ladle hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving contains a balanced mixture of beans, vegetables, and ham.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and improve digestibility.
• Soak dried beans overnight for smoother texture and faster cooking if not using canned beans.
• Customize protein options by substituting ham with smoked turkey or vegetarian alternatives like tempeh for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg