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Ham and Bean Soup

A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender white beans and smoky ham in savory broth that's perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 medium carrots (chopped)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound dried white beans (navy or Great Northern, sorted and rinsed)
  • 1 pound ham, diced (or 1 ham bone with meat)
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cook 5 minutes until soft and smelling good.
  3. Stir in garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, cook 1 minute until really fragrant.
  4. Add white beans, ham, and chicken broth, and stir everything together really well.
  5. Bring to boil, then turn the heat to low and cover the pot completely.
  6. Simmer 120 minutes, stirring sometimes until beans get tender and super creamy.
  7. Remove the ham bone if using, shred the meat, and put it back in the pot.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjust until it tastes just right.
  9. Remove bay leaves before serving into bowls for everyone to enjoy together.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Soaking beans overnight cuts about 30 minutes off your cooking time, which is pretty nice.
  • Ham bone gives more flavor than just diced ham, so ask your butcher for one.
  • Soup gets thicker as it sits, so add more broth when reheating for perfect consistency.
  • Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals when you don't feel like cooking at all.
  • Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.