The Coziest Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe For Chilly Days

Comfort weaves its magic through this hearty ham and white bean soup, promising warmth in every spoonful.

Cold winter evenings call for something deeply satisfying and nutritious.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen float through the aroma of simmering ingredients.

Tender white beans mingle with smoky ham pieces, creating layers of rich flavor.

Nutritious and filling, this recipe speaks to simple home cooking that nourishes both body and soul.

Sitting down to a steaming bowl that hugs you from the inside out.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will become your new favorite comfort classic.

Why Ham And White Bean Soup Feels So Cozy

• Effortless Comfort: This hearty ham and white bean soup delivers home-style warmth with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for beginners and busy home cooks.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic herbs, the soup creates a rich taste profile in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein-rich beans, vegetables, and lean ham, this soup provides a balanced meal that's both satisfying and wholesome, easily prepared in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Utilizing affordable ingredients like white beans and ham, this recipe offers delicious nutrition at a low cost, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients Needed For Ham And White Bean Soup

• Ham: Adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup.
• White Beans: Creamy texture and hearty protein source, great for thick and filling soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base for the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and aromatic profile.
• Garlic: Provides intense, warm flavor depth.

• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle earthy undertone to the soup.
• Thyme: Provides gentle herbal note and complements ham flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal accent.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.

How To Make Ham And White Bean Soup

Step 1: Awaken the Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sizzle and dance these veggies around for 5-7 minutes until they soften beautifully. Sprinkle garlic into the mix and let it sing for about a minute, releasing its magical aroma.

Step 2: Welcome the Hearty Ham

Introduce diced ham to the vegetable party. Toss in bay leaf and thyme to create a flavor symphony. Let everything mingle and warm together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to get acquainted.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

• Chicken broth
• Water
• White beans

Stir everything gently, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 4: Let the Soup Simmer and Dream

Coax the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer peacefully for 20-30 minutes. Give an occasional loving stir to prevent any clingy bottom situations.

Step 5: Perfect the Flavor Symphony

Taste your creation and sprinkle salt and black pepper as your palate desires. Pluck out the bay leaf – its job is done.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Shower with fresh parsley and serve alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers. Enjoy your comforting culinary masterpiece!

Helpful Tips For Ham And White Bean Soup

• Enhance Vegetable Texture: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
• Boost Ham Flavor: Select a high-quality smoked ham or ham bone for deeper, richer taste that permeates the entire dish.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth and water ratio to achieve desired soup thickness – add more liquid for thinner soup or reduce for heartier texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or use low-sodium broth for reduced salt intake.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried herbs to enhance aromatic profile and create brighter, more vibrant flavor notes.

How To Store And Warm Up Ham And White Bean Soup

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Microwave Option: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Be careful of hot spots and stir well before serving.

What To Serve With Ham And White Bean Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the soup's savory ham and creamy bean texture, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Match with Rustic Bread Companions: Choose hearty sourdough or crusty French baguette slices, toasted and rubbed with garlic, to provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup and help soak up the delicious broth.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a vibrant, green freshness that lifts the soup's earthy flavors and provides a subtle peppery note.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's heartiness and add a crisp, refreshing element to the meal.

Ways To Switch Up Ham And White Bean Soup

• Hearty Smoky Edition: Swap diced ham with smoky bacon or chorizo. Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke for deeper flavor complexity. Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with rosemary and oregano. Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of white wine. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles and ground cumin. Mix in corn kernels and use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Creamy Green Veggie Boost: Blend in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in a splash of heavy cream for richness. Garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra texture.

FAQs For Ham And White Bean Soup Fans

• What type of beans work best in this ham and white bean soup?

Great northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans are perfect. They’re creamy, hold their shape well, and absorb the delicious ham flavor beautifully.

• Can I make this soup with leftover holiday ham?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is ideal for this recipe. It adds fantastic smoky flavor and helps reduce food waste. Just dice the ham into bite-sized pieces before adding to the soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from ham and beans, plus vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery provide essential nutrients. The soup is low in fat and high in fiber, making it a nutritious meal option.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add some diced potatoes during the simmering stage, or serve with a slice of hearty bread. The potatoes will make the soup more substantial and provide extra comfort on cold days.

Ham And White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and white bean soup brings comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens, blending rustic ingredients with rich, savory flavors. Warm bowls of this classic soup promise delightful satisfaction for families craving a nourishing, soul-warming meal.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked ham, diced
• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the aromatic vegetables.
2. Gently sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their subtle sweetness, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the mixture.
4. Fold in the diced ham, bay leaf, and thyme, creating layers of savory depth and allowing the ingredients to meld together for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid base that will transform the simple ingredients into a comforting soup.
6. Carefully add white beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid and vegetables.
7. Increase heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer, covering the pot to trap moisture and intensify flavors.
8. Allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent beans from sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Taste the soup critically, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Remove the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones in the final dish.
11. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, creating inviting portions that promise warmth and comfort.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by using a smoked ham hock or bone-in ham piece instead of diced ham for richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Customize the soup’s thickness by partially mashing some white beans or adding extra broth based on your preferred consistency.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring chicken broth is certified gluten-free and serving with gluten-free bread or crackers.
• Boost nutritional value by adding chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg