White Bean and Ham Soup
A cozy, hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days or when you have leftover ham. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1½ cups diced cooked ham
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in carrots and cook another 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add Ham & Seasoning
Stir in diced ham, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup
Add white beans and chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
4️⃣ Adjust Texture (Optional)
For a creamier soup, mash some of the beans with a spoon or blend 1 cup of soup and return it to the pot.
5️⃣ Season & Serve
Remove bay leaf.
Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
🥖 Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty bread
Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
White Bean and Ham Soup
