Cozy White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort arrives with this hearty white bean and ham soup that whispers stories of home-cooked warmth.

Grandmothers across kitchens have perfected such rustic recipes through generations of loving preparation.

Tender beans nestle alongside smoky ham chunks, creating a symphony of satisfying flavors.

Rich broth promises deep nourishment with every spoonful of this classic dish.

Mediterranean and southern American culinary traditions merge beautifully in this simple yet elegant soup.

Herbs like thyme and parsley dance through the liquid, adding subtle complexity to each bite.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into deep bowls and savor every comforting spoonful.

Why White Bean and Ham Soup Deserves a Spot at Your Table

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with tender ham, soft white beans, and vibrant vegetables that wraps you in delicious comfort.
• Master Simple Cooking: Perfect for home cooks with basic skills, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible ingredients allow easy substitutions or additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and what's available in your kitchen.
• Nutrient-Dense Meal: Loaded with protein from ham, fiber from beans, and vitamins from vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced and nutritious one-pot meal that keeps you satisfied.

Ingredients to Make White Bean and Ham Soup Shine

• Ham Shanks or Hocks: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and tender protein to the soup.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that offer a soft texture and substantial body to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.
• Celery, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add natural sweetness and nutritional depth to the recipe.

• Herbes de Provence: Classic French herb blend that introduces a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Tabasco Sauce: Spicy condiment that provides a warm, tangy kick to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Water: Primary liquid that helps create the soup's base and allows ingredients to simmer and meld together.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and develop their initial flavor.

How to Prepare White Bean and Ham Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Dried Beans

Rinse the dried beans thoroughly. Place them in a large pot filled with water.

Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat. Cover the pot and let the beans soak for two hours.

Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook Ham Base

Place ham shanks or hocks in a large pot.

Pour water to cover the meat. Sprinkle Herbes de Provence over the top.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on high heat, then reduce to low. Cook partially covered for one hour, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook onions until they become translucent and slightly golden.

Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its fragrant oils.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the ham pot.

• Drained beans
• Chopped celery
• Chopped carrots

Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Simmer and Shred

Continue cooking uncovered for approximately 40 minutes.

The vegetables should become tender and the ham meat should easily pull away from the bone. Remove the bones carefully.

Shred the ham meat and return it to the soup pot.

Step 6: Season and Finish

• Tabasco sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips to Elevate White Bean and Ham Soup

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a smoother texture.
• Choose low-sodium ham shanks to control salt levels and customize the soup's flavor profile.
• Enhance soup's richness by adding a parmesan rind during simmering for deeper umami taste.
• Freeze leftover soup in portioned containers for quick, hearty meals during busy weekdays.
• Use smoked ham hocks for an extra layer of smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Easy Adjustments for White Bean and Ham Soup

• Rustic Mediterranean Bean Blast: Replace ham with pancetta and add sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and a splash of white wine for an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Southwest Bean Brew: Swap ham with chorizo sausage, incorporate black beans, add roasted green chilies, cumin, and finish with fresh cilantro for a spicy kick.
• Hearty Vegetarian Bean Stew: Eliminate meat completely, use vegetable broth, add smoked paprika, mushrooms, and extra vegetables like zucchini for depth and protein.
• Country French Bean Pot: Include white wine, add thyme, swap some water with chicken stock, garnish with crispy bacon bits for enhanced richness.

What to Pair with White Bean and Ham Soup

• Hearty Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône that complements the rich ham and bean flavors, cutting through the soup's heartiness with balanced acidity.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve with a rustic sourdough or country-style French bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding textural contrast and extra comfort to each spoonful.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth, bringing fresh, zesty notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a crisp white beer like a Belgian witbier or a light pilsner that won't overpower the soup's delicate ham and herb undertones.

Storage Guide for White Bean and Ham Soup

• Refrigerate: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until soup reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into pot, add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs for White Bean and Ham Soup Lovers

• How do I know when the beans are properly soaked?

The beans are ready when they’ve doubled in size and look plump and soft after 2 hours of soaking.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh parsley since dried herbs are more concentrated.

• What type of white beans work best for this recipe?

Great Northern beans and cannellini beans are excellent choices that hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture.

• Is it necessary to remove the ham bones before serving?

Yes, removing the bones makes the soup easier to eat and allows you to shred the ham meat directly into the soup for better distribution of flavor.

Warming White Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 46 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean and ham soup brings comfort from Southern kitchens, blending rustic ingredients with rich culinary traditions. Savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 to 3 pounds smoked ham shanks or ham hocks
• 1 pound (2 1/2 cups) dried white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern)

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 to 3 ribs celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
• Tabasco sauce, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Hydrate dried white beans by submerging in boiling water, then letting them soak for 2 hours. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Place ham shanks in a large pot, covering with water and Herbes de Provence. Gently simmer on low heat for 1 hour, partially covered.
3. While ham cooks, caramelize onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine soaked beans, sautéed aromatics, chopped celery, and carrots into the ham broth. Maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Continue cooking uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and ham to become tender enough to separate from bone. Extract bones, shred meat, and reintegrate into soup.
6. Season with Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper according to preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving, enhancing the soup’s aromatic profile.

Notes

• Soak beans thoroughly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring they’re soft and easy to break down.
• Choose high-quality ham shanks with good marbling for richer, more intense flavor that permeates the entire soup.
• Consider using smoked ham hocks for deeper, smokier undertones that elevate the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Customize for dietary needs by substituting ham with smoked turkey or vegetable broth for a lighter, meat-free version that maintains robust flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg