Description
White Bean and Ham Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This easy-to-make recipe features creamy white beans simmered with rich ham in a savory broth, creating a delightful aroma that fills your home. With minimal prep time and versatile ingredients, this soup invites you to gather around the table and savor every spoonful. Enjoy it as a comforting main course or pair it with crusty bread for an extra treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried white beans (or 2 cans, drained)
- 1 smoked ham hock (or 2 cups diced leftover ham)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight. Drain and rinse if using canned.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about five minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute.
- Stir in the ham hock and drained beans; pour in chicken broth until everything is submerged.
- Add thyme and bay leaves, bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about one hour.
- Check the ham hock after thirty minutes; shred meat into the soup once tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired; serve hot garnished with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg