This Ham and White Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or to use up leftover ham. With a blend of aromatic herbs and tender white beans, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
• 1 medium stalk celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 pound diced cooked ham (or a ham bone for added flavor)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained (or 3 cups cooked white beans)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots over medium heat in a small amount of oil or butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
• Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, dried parsley, and celery salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Broth:
• Pour in the chicken broth or stock and add the diced ham (or ham bone). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add White Beans:
• Stir in the rinsed and drained white beans. Continue to simmer for another 10–15 minutes. If using a ham bone, remove it at this stage, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the soup.
5. Season to Taste:
• Taste the soup and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. Serve:
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Ham and White Bean Soup:
• Ham Bone Option: Using a ham bone adds a richer, smokier flavor to the soup.
• Thicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
• Vegetable Variations: Add diced potatoes or frozen peas for additional heartiness.
This Ham and White Bean Soup is easy to make, deliciously comforting, and perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
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