Easy Ham and Bean Soup
User Reviews
4.9
Easy Ham and Bean Soup
Description
Easy Ham and Bean Soup begins by gently sautéing onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until softened and lightly browned, building a flavorful base. Garlic and seasonings including Italian herbs and smoked paprika are added to deepen the aroma before liquids like chicken broth and water join along with diced cooked ham and canned white beans. The soup is brought to a boil and then simmered to blend flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
The resulting soup offers a balance of savory ham, creamy beans, and subtle sweetness from the vegetables and spices. Some variation in texture can be achieved by mashing part of the beans or lightly blending to thicken the broth. Seasoning is adjusted at the end because ham contributes saltiness.
This recipe serves as a warm and hearty meal on cooler days and can be enjoyed with crusty bread or crackers. Its adaptable cooking approach works for stovetop preparation or crockpot and pressure cooker options for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped finely, medium
- 1 carrot peeled & chopped small, large
- 3 celery chopped small, sticks
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups ham chopped (or more to taste, cooked
- 2 (14 ounce) cans White beans drained
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Sauté the onions, carrot, and celery for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally (a little browning is good).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chicken broth, water, ham, and white beans to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium (or medium low if it's bubbling too much), cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes (the flavor will intensify the longer you cook it so feel free to cook it for a bit longer).
- Season with salt & pepper to taste. Ham can be quite salty, so be sure to add salt after it's cooked if you think it needs it. Optional: Take a potato masher and mash some of the beans right in the pot to create a slightly thicker texture or pulse an immersion blender a few times.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the soup's saltiness, especially if using salty ham.
- Slow cooker method: cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for convenient preparation.
- Instant Pot method: cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural pressure release for a quick version.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 1030mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 1037mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1794IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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