Description
Ham and bean soup delivers hearty comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Simple ingredients merge into a rich, satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pulled ham
- 4 cans white beans, drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 1 minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, add bay leaves and ground black pepper, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate pre-cooked diced ham and rinsed beans into the simmering broth, allowing the ingredients to meld together and heat thoroughly for an additional 10-12 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving, ensuring the soup is piping hot and the flavors have developed a rich, comforting profile.
Notes
- Swap ham with smoked turkey or bacon for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt content, especially for those watching sodium intake.
- Enhance protein by adding extra beans like cannellini or navy beans for more texture and nutrition.
- Maximize flavor by using leftover holiday ham bone instead of diced ham for deeper, richer taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg