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White Bean and Ham Soup

White Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This hearty dish features creamy white beans, smoky ham, and aromatic herbs simmered in a savory broth. Not only does it warm your soul, but it also evokes fond memories of family meals. Simple to prepare and customizable with pantry staples, this soup is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried white beans (Great Northern or cannellini)
  • 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dried beans by soaking them overnight; drain before use.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the smoked ham hock and white beans; mix well.
  5. Pour in chicken broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for about 1 hour or until the ham is tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock; shred any meat left on the bone and return it to the soup.
  7. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot with your choice of bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale. Substitute turkey or chicken for ham if preferred. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.