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Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup

A close-up of a bowl of hearty white bean and ham soup, garnished with fresh parsley.
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A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for using leftover ham, featuring creamy white beans and a smoky broth. This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and freezing.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound dried white beans (like cannellini or navy), soaked overnight and drained, or 3 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 ham hock (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, ensure they have been soaked overnight and drained. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the prepared white beans, diced ham, and the ham hock (if using).
  5. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. If using a ham hock, remove it once the soup has simmered and shred any meat from the bone, then return the meat to the pot.
  7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
  8. Remove the ham hock before serving, if used.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer, smokier flavor, use a smoked ham hock.
  • You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except parsley in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.
  • If you prefer a creamier soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/white-bean-and-ham-soup/