Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup

Introduction

Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup is a comforting one-pot meal packed with tender ham, creamy white beans, potatoes, carrots, and flavorful broth. This rustic soup is perfect for chilly days and is a wonderful way to use leftover ham. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it a favorite family dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked ham, diced

2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instruction

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Add diced ham and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in the potatoes, white beans, thyme, bay leaf, chicken broth, and water.

Bring the soup to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Method

This soup is prepared by first sautéing the vegetables to develop flavor. The ham is then added, followed by beans, potatoes, and broth. Slow simmering allows the ingredients to blend beautifully, creating a rich and hearty soup with creamy beans and tender vegetables.

Benifits

Rich in protein from ham and white beans.

High in fiber, helping you stay full longer.

Provides vitamins A and C from carrots and celery.

Potatoes add potassium and energy.

A budget-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and great for leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving

Protein: 22 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fat: 10 g

Fiber: 8 g

Sodium: 720 mg

Potassium: 780 mg

Tips

Use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor.

Mash a few beans into the broth to make the soup creamier.

Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup is a classic comfort food that combines simple ingredients into a warm and satisfying meal. Its rich flavor, nourishing ingredients, and easy preparation make it an excellent choice for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home.