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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse thoroughly to remove any debris.
- 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.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Introduce the diced ham, ham bone, or ham hock to the vegetable mixture, allowing the meat to slightly brown and develop rich caramelized edges.
- Pour in chicken broth or water, then add white beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
- 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.
- Remove the ham bone or ham hock, carefully trim any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Discard bay leaves and garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
- 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