Quick White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Warm, comforting white bean and ham soup fills our kitchen with memories of hearty family meals.

Aromatic herbs dance through tender legumes and smoky meat chunks.

Generations have cherished this classic comfort dish across rustic dining tables.

Mediterranean traditions blend perfectly with simple, nourishing ingredients.

Salt and pepper awaken deep flavors within each spoonful.

Kitchen magic happens when humble components merge into something extraordinary.

Let this recipe transport you to a cozy evening of pure culinary satisfaction.

Why White Bean And Ham Soup Is So Comforting

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this bean soup a breeze to create, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with protein from beans and ham, plus vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that warms both body and soul.
• Budget-Friendly Culinary Delight: Economical ingredients like dried beans, ham, and basic vegetables transform into a rich, satisfying dish without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe allows for easy customization with different types of beans, meats, or additional seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For White Bean And Ham Soup

• White Beans: Classic legume that provides creamy texture and hearty protein for the soup.
• Dried Beans: Traditional base that offers rich, deep flavor when properly soaked and prepared.

• Ham, Ham Bone, Ham Hock: Adds smoky, rich flavor and provides substantial protein to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Essential vegetable blend that creates a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic undertones that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper: Warming herbs and spices that contribute complex layers of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and creates a smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Provides the liquid foundation for the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a final layer of flavor.
• Salt: Helps balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How To Cook White Bean And Ham Soup

Step 1: Prep the Beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse thoroughly to remove any debris.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they become soft and release their delightful aroma, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Bloom the Garlic

Add minced garlic and stir constantly for one minute. This helps prevent burning and unleashes incredible flavor.

Step 4: Brown the Ham

Introduce diced ham, ham bone, or ham hock to the vegetable mixture. Let the meat develop delicious caramelized edges.

Step 5: Build the Soup Base

• White beans
• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Finish the Meat

Remove the ham bone or ham hock. Carefully trim any remaining meat and return it to the soup.

Step 8: Season and Taste

Adjust seasoning with salt to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 9: Final Touches

Discard bay leaves. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a warm, comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Smart Tips For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Soak Beans Smartly: Overnight soaking in cold water helps remove starch, dirt, and potential gas-causing compounds from dried beans.
• Sauté Veggies Perfectly: Cook onions, carrots, and celery until translucent to build a flavor-rich base that enhances the soup's depth.
• Brown Meat Carefully: Allow ham to caramelize slightly for extra flavor, creating delicious browned edges that add complexity to the dish.
• Simmer Slowly: Low and steady cooking helps beans soften gradually, allowing flavors to meld together and create a rich, comforting texture.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness.

Tasty Ideas For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Vegan Bean Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add nutritional yeast for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Protein Boost: Substitute ham with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and add quinoa for extra protein.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace thyme with oregano, add diced zucchini, use pancetta instead of ham, and finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

Perfect Sides For White Bean And Ham Soup

• Pair Rustic Bread with Creamy Butter: Crusty, warm bread slathered with rich, soft butter creates a perfect companion to the hearty white bean soup, enhancing its rustic flavors and providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing acidity that balances the saltiness of ham and beans.
• Match with Herb-Infused Salad: A light, lemony green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme serves as a bright, zesty counterpoint to the warm, dense soup, cleansing the palate between spoonfuls.

How To Store White Bean And Ham Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavors and texture.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum taste preservation.
• Transfer frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even thawing. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot, reaching 165°F to ensure food safety and restore original flavors.

White Bean And Ham Soup Questions Answered

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute dried beans with canned white beans. Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly, and add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

• What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Any type of ham works well, such as leftover holiday ham, ham hock, or diced ham. The key is to choose a ham with good flavor that will add richness to the soup.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from the beans and ham, and loaded with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It provides a balanced, hearty meal with essential nutrients.

White Bean And Ham Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2-2.25 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean and ham soup brings comfort from rustic Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Protein-packed ingredients meld together in a savory broth, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups white beans (dried or canned)
• 1 lb ham (diced)
• 1 large ham bone or ham hock

Vegetables:

• 2 medium onions (chopped)
• 3 carrots (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse thoroughly to remove any debris.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce the diced ham, ham bone, or ham hock to the vegetable mixture, allowing the meat to slightly brown and develop rich caramelized edges.
5. Pour in chicken broth or water, then add white beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Remove the ham bone or ham hock, carefully trim any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
9. Discard bay leaves and garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
10. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a smoother texture and more even cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth or water to control salt levels, especially important for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Ham hock or bone adds incredible depth of flavor, but for vegetarian options, swap with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a rich, complex taste.
• Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick, nutritious meals up to 3 months later, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger pangs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg