White Bean and Ham Soup
User Reviews
3.7
White Bean and Ham Soup
Description
This soup centers on dried great northern beans cooked until tender and creamy, combined with diced ham for smoky, savory depth. Aromatic vegetables—onion, celery, carrot, and garlic—are sautéed before simmering to build a flavorful base. Italian seasoning adds herbaceous hints, complemented by salt and pepper, with olive oil enhancing richness. Slow simmering for two and a half to three hours allows the flavors to meld and the beans to soften without disintegrating.
The resulting soup has a thick, stew-like consistency that can be thinned with water or broth as desired before serving. The ham pieces add texture and protein, while the soft vegetables provide sweetness and earthiness. This soup can work as a main meal or a substantial starter, and leftovers reheat well.
Variations include using leftover ham or store-bought diced ham. For additional seasoning depth, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika may be added along with the Italian spices. Adjust salt to taste at the end.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces great northern beans dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 3 talks celery
- 2 carrot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups ham cooked, diced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper ground
Instructions
- Rinse and sort through the beans, discarding any rocks or debris. Set aside.
- Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic.
- Add the oil to a large stock pot over medium heat. When hot, stir in the onion, celery, and carrot.
- Cook vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 more seconds.
- Add the water and Italian seasoning to the pot along with the dried beans.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Cook, stirring every 30 minutes, for 2 hours or until beans are mostly tender.
- Add the ham, salt, and pepper to the soup. Continue simmering for 30 minutes to an hour more, or until beans are fully cooked.
- Add additional water or chicken stock to the pot to thin the soup to your desired consistency just before serving. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Notes
- Add water or chicken broth if soup is thicker than desired to adjust consistency.
- Leftover ham works well, but store-bought diced ham is a good substitute.
- Enhance seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika along with Italian seasoning.
- Sort beans carefully and rinse to remove any debris before cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 321 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 321kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 1558mg | 65% |
| Potassium | 1308mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 15g | 60% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2615IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 23.8mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 159mg | 16% |
| Iron | 4.7mg | 26% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.7
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