Ham and White Bean Soup

Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup

When winter settles in and the days grow cold, few things bring comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Ham and White Bean Soup. This timeless favorite blends the savory richness of ham with tender beans and fragrant herbs for a warming, satisfying meal. Below, we’ll walk you through making this delicious soup from scratch—with a clear ingredient chart and step-by-step instructions to guide you.

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🛒 Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity
White beans (dried)	1 cup
Ham (cubed)	1 cup
Onion (diced)	1 medium
Carrots (sliced)	2
Celery (chopped)	2 stalks
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Bay leaves	2
Fresh thyme	1 sprig
Chicken broth	4 cups
Water	2 cups
Salt and pepper	To taste

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🍲 How to Make It

1. Build the Flavor Base

Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for several minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step forms the flavorful base that gives the soup its depth and aroma.

2. Add Ham and Beans

Next, stir in the cubed ham and pre-soaked white beans. The ham adds a savory, smoky note, while the beans lend a creamy texture that thickens the soup as it simmers.

3. Simmer Slowly

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Drop in the bay leaves and thyme sprig, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. This slow simmer allows all the ingredients to meld into a rich, comforting harmony.

4. Serve and Savor

Once the soup has thickened and the flavors have come together, remove the bay leaves and thyme. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of beans, ham, and vegetables with each serving. Enjoy it hot, with warm crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flair.

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❤️ Final Notes

This Ham and White Bean Soup is more than a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a hearty, healthy, and deeply satisfying option that brings the comfort of home with every spoonful.