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White Bean and Ham Soup
3.7 from 230 votes

White Bean and Ham Soup

White Bean and Ham Soup is a hearty, savory dish featuring tender great northern beans and diced cooked ham, slowly simmered with vegetables like onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Italian seasoning adds herbal notes, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. The long cooking breaks down the beans to a creamy texture with chunks of ham and vegetables throughout for a satisfying warming meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 321 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse and sort through the beans, discarding any rocks or debris. Set aside.
  2. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic.
  3. Add the oil to a large stock pot over medium heat. When hot, stir in the onion, celery, and carrot. 
  4. Cook vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 more seconds.
  5. Add the water and Italian seasoning to the pot along with the dried beans. 
  6. 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. 
  7. Add the ham, salt, and pepper to the soup. Continue simmering for 30 minutes to an hour more, or until beans are fully cooked.
  8. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 321

% 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.