Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic

Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic
When the days grow colder, there’s nothing like a steaming bowl of hearty Ham and White Bean Soup to warm you up. This timeless recipe blends tender white beans, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables into a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Here’s how to make the ultimate Ham and White Bean Soup that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Protein: The combination of ham and white beans provides a healthy dose of protein to keep you full and energized.
Economical: This recipe is a great way to use leftover ham or a ham bone, transforming scraps into something extraordinary.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1 lb (2 cups) dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight or 2 cans (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
1 large ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 bay leaves
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Crusty bread or rolls, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans
If using dried beans: Drain the soaked beans and rinse thoroughly.
If using canned beans: Rinse and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the Ham and Broth
Place the ham bone (or diced ham) into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the ham bone is submerged.
Add the drained beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, and smoked paprika (if using).
4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried beans, or 30-40 minutes if using canned beans.
Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
5. Check for Doneness
When the beans are tender, remove the ham bone from the pot.
If the ham bone has any meat left, shred it and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham and White Bean Soup
Use a Ham Bone: A ham bone adds incredible flavor to the broth, but if you don’t have one, diced ham or ham hocks work wonderfully.
Blend for Creaminess: For a thicker texture, blend a cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
Customize Vegetables: Add leafy greens like kale or spinach, or toss in diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Why This Soup is a Meal Prep Superstar
Freezer-Friendly: Ham and White Bean Soup freezes exceptionally well. Divide leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to enjoy some now and save the rest for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~6g
Fiber: ~7g
Conclusion
This Ham and White Bean Soup is the ultimate blend of comfort and nutrition, offering bold flavors and hearty textures in every spoonful. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals while providing plenty of room for your creative twists. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or prepared in advance for the week, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.