Description

White Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. This rich and hearty dish features creamy white beans, tender ham hock, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. With its delightful aroma and savory flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that warms both body and soul. Easy to prepare in just one pot, this soup is versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that invites laughter and good memories around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried white beans (Great Northern or navy)
1 medium ham hock (about 1 lb)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Rinse the white beans under cold water if using canned; drain well.
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
Stir in diced carrots and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Add the ham hock and pour in the chicken broth until everything is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for about an hour.
Carefully remove the ham hock; shred any meat back into the soup once cooled. Stir in thyme before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Customize by swapping ham for turkey or adding greens like spinach or kale. For added richness, blend half of the soup before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.