White Bean and Ham Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm, nourishing meal. This soup is filled with tender Great Northern beans, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, and the dried beans give it a rich, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 20 ounces dried Great Northern Beans: These beans are creamy and tender, making them ideal for soups. Soaking them overnight will reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a mild, fruity flavor to the base of the soup.
- 1 medium sweet onion: The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- 3 stalks celery, diced: Celery provides a subtle crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color, making the soup more vibrant and flavorful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the ham and beans.
- 8 cups water: The water forms the base of the soup, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to meld together.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, Italian seasoning adds a savory, aromatic quality to the soup.
- 2 cups cooked diced ham: The ham adds a rich, smoky flavor and a satisfying bite to the soup. Leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the beans, ham, and vegetables, making the soup more delicious.
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper: Pepper adds a bit of spice and balances the flavors in the soup.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans:
- Before you begin cooking, you’ll need to soak the dried Great Northern beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Soup:
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by the 8 cups of water. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and ground pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Ham:
- Once the beans are tender, stir in the diced ham. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
- Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best White Bean and Ham Soup:
- Soak the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for achieving a creamy, tender texture. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: cover the beans with water, bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let soak for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.
- Low and Slow: Simmering the soup over low heat allows the flavors to develop and the beans to cook evenly. Be patient, as rushing the cooking process can result in unevenly cooked beans.
- Leftover Ham: This soup is an excellent way to use up leftover holiday ham. The smoky, savory flavor of the ham infuses the soup with richness, making it even more comforting and delicious.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or kale to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup when sautéing the vegetables.
- Use Broth: For a richer flavor, substitute some or all of the water with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
White Bean and Ham Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and flavorful vegetables creates a hearty soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a way to use up leftover ham, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort
