White Bean and Ham Soup
User Reviews
5
White Bean and Ham Soup
Description
This soup begins by gently sautéing onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil until softened, creating a flavorful base. Garlic and fresh thyme are added next for aromatic depth. Chicken stock is poured in along with rinsed canned cannellini beans, diced cooked ham, and a bay leaf. The mixture is brought to a boil then simmered for 15 minutes to blend flavors and warm the ingredients through.
The beans contribute creaminess while the ham adds a smoky, salty meatiness. The vegetables soften but retain some texture, creating balance. The bay leaf subtly perfumes the broth. Seasoning with salt and pepper at the end adjusts flavor to taste.
This soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping and can serve as a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Optional additions include bacon, red pepper flakes, or cream for variation.
The recipe allows for ingredient swaps, such as using vegetable stock or other white beans, and omitting the bay leaf if preferred. Leftover cooked ham is a practical and flavorful protein addition.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- ½ cup carrot diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme minced, fresh
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 cans cannellini white beans drained and rinsed (15.5 ounce cans)
- 2 cups ham diced, cooked
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat
- Then add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until they are tender.
- Next, add the minced garlic and thyme and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken stock, beans, diced ham, and the bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
- Include dried red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- For creamier texture, stir in ½ cup milk or heavy cream at the end.
- Vegetable stock can be used instead of chicken stock for a different base.
- Try substituting cannellini beans with other white beans like great northern or navy beans.
- Use leftover holiday ham or cooked boneless ham steak diced for convenience.
- Omit bay leaf if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 335kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 686mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 1022mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1842IU | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 128mg | 13% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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