Here’s a full guide to making White Bean and Ham Soup—a hearty, protein-rich, and comforting dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. I’ll include the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 cup dried white beans (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or leftover ham bone with meat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beans
- If using dried beans, soak overnight or quick-soak:
- Cover beans with water, boil for 2–3 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
- In a large pot, heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and sauté until soft (~5–7 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Broth and Beans
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add soaked (or canned) beans, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–40 minutes (20–25 if using canned beans) until beans are tender.
4️⃣ Add Ham
- Stir in diced ham (or leftover ham bone for flavor).
- Simmer another 10–15 minutes to let flavors blend.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper (ham may already be salty).
5️⃣ Serve
- Remove bay leaf.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Creamy texture: Mash a few beans against the pot wall for a thicker, creamier consistency.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Make-ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Why It’s Healthy
- Protein: From beans and ham, great for muscles and energy.
- Fiber: Beans provide soluble fiber, helping digestion and heart health.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Carrots and celery provide vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.
If you want, I can also give a “Quick 30-Minute White Bean & Ham Soup Hack” for when you don’t have time to soak beans overnight.
Do you want me to do that?
