Description
Hearty ham and bean soup delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining smoky pork with creamy white beans. Warm spices and tender vegetables make this soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 3 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) white beans (Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Crusty bread or cornbread (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot with olive oil until the vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allowing the herbs to bloom and intensify their fragrance.
- Incorporate chopped ham, white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and Dijon mustard into the pot, creating a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to allow the ingredients to meld together slowly, developing deep, complex flavors over 25-30 minutes.
- If using a ham bone, extend the simmering time to approximately 45 minutes, then carefully remove the bone, extract any remaining meat, and return the shredded pieces to the soup.
- Brighten the soup’s profile by adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which will cut through the richness and provide a subtle tang.
- Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal taste preferences.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving, and ladle the steaming soup into individual bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with crusty bread or warm cornbread for a satisfying, hearty meal.
Notes
- Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and accommodate heart-healthy diets.
- Swap ham with smoked turkey or ham-flavored vegetarian alternatives for lighter protein options.
- Use dried beans soaked overnight for deeper flavor and more authentic texture, saving money compared to canned varieties.
- Freeze extra soup in portioned containers for quick, nutritious meals during busy weeks, ensuring maximum convenience and minimal waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg