White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Oh, my goodness, you guys, this White Bean and Ham Soup is pure comfort food heaven! It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening. I love how the creamy white beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables all come together to create a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

This soup is incredibly easy to make, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have from a holiday meal. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you! So grab your ingredients, put on your coziest sweater, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the white beans and ham. Plus, the combination of vegetables and spices creates a delicious depth of flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have a delicious pot of soup simmering on the stove in no time!
• Versatile: You can easily customize this soup to your liking. Add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for White Bean and Ham Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:

• Dried Great Northern Beans: These beans are creamy and flavorful, perfect for soups and stews.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Sweet Onion: A diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Celery: Diced celery adds a nice crunch and a subtle savory note.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Water: We’ll use water as the base of our soup.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Cooked Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a salty, savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to your liking.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Greens Galore: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Tomato Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity and sweetness.
• Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.

How to Make White Bean and Ham Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse and sort through the dried Great Northern beans, discarding any rocks or debris. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Beans and Water

Pour the 8 cups of water into the pot, then stir in the Italian seasoning and the rinsed beans.

Step 5: Boil and Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Step 6: Add Ham and Seasonings

Stir in the cooked diced ham, salt, and ground pepper. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding more water or chicken stock until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of this White Bean and Ham Soup.

Tips and Tricks

• Soaking the Beans: For faster cooking, you can soak the beans in water overnight.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the vegetables have enough space to cook evenly in the pot.
• Simmer Time: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will be.

How to Serve

This White Bean and Ham Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also:

• Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad is a refreshing complement to this hearty soup.

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can use other types of white beans, such as cannellini beans or navy beans.

2. Can I use leftover ham bone?

Absolutely! Adding a leftover ham bone to the soup will add even more flavor.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

4. How can I reheat the soup?

You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.

There you have it! A hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup that will warm you up on a chilly day. Enjoy your White Bean and Ham Soup!

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