Description
This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring a savory blend of sautéed vegetables, smoky ham, and tender white beans simmered in a flavorful broth, this soup offers a delicious balance of protein and fiber that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped small
- 3 sticks celery, chopped small
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Proteins & Beans
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham (or more to taste)
- 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans, drained
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow a little browning for added flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chicken broth, water, chopped ham, and drained white beans to the pot. Increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes so the flavors meld together. You can simmer it longer for a richer taste.
- Season and Adjust Texture: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the ham may already contribute saltiness. For a thicker texture, optionally mash some beans directly in the pot with a potato masher or pulse an immersion blender a few times until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- You can use any type of white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans.
- Leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe, making it an excellent way to repurpose holiday meat.
- Adjust seasoning carefully as ham and broth can have high sodium levels.
- Simmering longer enhances the soup’s flavor depth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ham with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth.
