Comforting Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this classic ham and white bean soup that warms the soul on chilly evenings.

Winter’s chill melts away with the first savory bite of this traditional recipe.

Rich, smoky ham mingles with creamy white beans, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Tender vegetables add depth and nutrition to each comforting bowl.

Packed with protein and flavor, this soup delivers a hearty meal that takes minimal effort to prepare.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple yet delicious combination of ingredients.

Grab a ladle and savor every warming, nourishing spoonful of this timeless soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Used In Ham And White Bean Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation that builds depth in the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color to enhance visual appeal.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy undertone and crisp texture to the soup base.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste complexity.

• Ham: Brings a smoky, salty element that adds rich protein and traditional comfort food character.
• White Beans: Offers creamy texture, plant-based protein, and hearty substance to the soup.

• Dried Thyme: Introduces an aromatic, slightly minty herbal note that complements the ham.
• Dried Rosemary: Provides a woodsy, pine-like flavor that enhances the soup's rustic profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Delivers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal freshness.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's foundational liquid with deep, savory undertones.
• Olive Oil: Enables smooth sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness to the cooking process.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and heightens the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Tools To Prepare Ham And White Bean Soup Easily

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and ham.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool needed for precise vegetable and ham dicing.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup smoothly into individual bowls.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.
• Colander: Helpful for draining and rinsing white beans before adding to soup.

Simmering Steps For Ham And White Bean Soup

• Fire Up the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a big pot and toss in chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Dance them around until they soften and release their delicious aroma, about 5-7 minutes.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Sprinkle in minced garlic, a pinch of thyme, and a whisper of rosemary. Let them sizzle and become wonderfully fragrant for 1-2 minutes.

• Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and introduce white beans. Stir everything together and coax the mixture to a gentle bubble.

• Bring the Protein Party

Drop in diced ham and let everything mingle and simmer low and slow. This is where magic happens – about 20-25 minutes of flavor development. Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds dance.

• Create the Perfect Bowl

Scoop the steaming soup into waiting bowls and shower with fresh parsley or thyme for a bright, fresh finish that makes every spoonful sing.

Flavor Tweaks For Ham And White Bean Soup Lovers

• Smart Slow Cooker Method: Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours, creating deeper flavor development and tender ham pieces.
• Budget-Friendly Ham Swap: No leftover ham? Use smoked sausage, bacon pieces, or ham hocks as economical protein alternatives that maintain the soup's rich, smoky essence without compromising taste.
• Protein-Packed Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or smoked seitan cubes, maintaining the soup's hearty texture while creating a completely meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium chicken broth, selecting lower-sodium ham, and seasoning with herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost flavor without extra sodium, making the recipe heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
• Creamy Texture Twist: For a richer soup, blend 1 cup of beans before adding them back to the pot, creating a naturally thickened broth with added creaminess without introducing heavy cream or additional calories.

Ham And White Bean Soup Serving Suggestions That Shine

• Comforting Winter Warmth: Serve this hearty soup with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth.
• Rustic Meal Companion: Pair the soup with a simple green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the ham and beans.
• Protein Power Boost: Top each bowl with some crispy bacon bits or grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and added protein that complements the soup's existing ingredients.
• Cozy Side Delight: Serve alongside roasted garlic bread or cornbread muffins to create a complete and satisfying meal that will keep you warm and full.

Tips For Saving Ham And White Bean Soup For Later

• Smart Storage Strategies: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain quality and safety.
• Quick Refrigeration Technique: Store soup in the fridge for 3-4 days, keeping it in shallow containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze soup without garnish in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Frozen soup stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick, stirring occasionally to restore its original creamy consistency.

Hearty Ham And White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 9 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and white bean soup brings Mediterranean comfort to winter tables. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, offering robust flavors that welcome you to savor each spoonful with genuine satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 g) ham, diced
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crusty bread or crackers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sautée diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful aromatic base for the soup.
2. Herb Infusion: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary to the vegetable mixture. Toast herbs briefly to release their intense fragrance and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add thoroughly rinsed white beans. Stir to combine and create a rich, hearty liquid base for the soup.
4. Ham Integration and Simmering: Fold diced ham into the mixture, allowing it to distribute its smoky essence throughout the soup. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and develop complex taste profiles.
5. Seasoning and Finishing: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or delicate thyme leaves for a vibrant, fresh accent.

Notes

• Enhance Herb Flavor: Toast dried thyme and rosemary in the pan before adding other ingredients to release deeper, more intense aromatic compounds.
• Bean Preparation: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner taste and smoother texture in the soup.
• Ham Selection: Choose low-sodium or smoked ham for more controlled saltiness and a richer flavor profile that complements the beans and vegetables.
• Texture Control: If prefer a creamier consistency, gently mash a portion of the beans against the pot’s side to create a thicker, more luxurious soup base without adding extra ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 9
• Calories: 105
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg