Ham and White Bean Soup is a classic comfort dish known for its rich flavor, hearty texture, and simple ingredients. It is perfect for using leftover ham and makes a warm, satisfying meal on cold days. Slow-simmered beans, tender vegetables, and savory ham come together to create a nourishing soup that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 pound dried white beans (such as navy beans or great northern beans), soaked overnight
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 ham bone or ham hock for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans
If using dried beans, soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Drain and rinse them before cooking. Soaking helps shorten the cooking time and ensures even cooking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
3. Add Ham and Seasonings
Stir in the diced ham. If using a ham bone or ham hock, add it to the pot at this stage. Add thyme, parsley, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well to coat the ingredients with flavor.
4. Add Beans and Broth
Pour in the soaked white beans and add the chicken broth or water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The beans should become tender and the broth will thicken naturally as the beans cook.
6. Adjust Consistency
If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water. If you prefer a creamier texture, lightly mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
7. Season to Taste
Taste the soup and add salt only if needed, since the ham can already be salty. Remove the bay leaf and the ham bone if used.
8. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete, hearty meal.
