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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the aromatic vegetables.
- Gently sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their subtle sweetness, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the mixture.
- 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.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid base that will transform the simple ingredients into a comforting soup.
- Carefully add white beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid and vegetables.
- Increase heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer, covering the pot to trap moisture and intensify flavors.
- Allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent beans from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste the soup critically, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Remove the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones in the final dish.
- Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, creating inviting portions that promise warmth and comfort.
- 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