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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate diced ham and ham bone (if using) into the vegetable mixture, allowing the meat to lightly brown and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, then add dried thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Gently introduce white beans to the pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- 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.
- Remove bay leaf and ham bone before serving, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- 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