Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup

Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to brighten up a chilly day, and the Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup is a comforting classic that packs a delicious punch! This delightful dish combines creamy white beans with fragrant herbs, making it a rich, flavorful meal that comes together in no time at all. Whether you’re coming home from a busy day or hosting a last-minute gathering, this soup is the perfect choice.

Did you know that soup is often called the "ultimate comfort food"? With its satisfying blend of ingredients, it’s no wonder that generations have turned to soup for warmth and solace. This Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup is especially family-friendly, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table. What sets it apart is its rapid preparation time – in just under 30 minutes, you can serve a wholesome dish that rivals any restaurant offering. If you love recipes that deliver great taste without requiring hours of preparation, you’ll be thrilled to add this one to your rotation. You might also want to check out my delicious chicken noodle soup, as both dishes embody the same heartwarming vibe. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—it’s time to savor the delightful simplicity of Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup!

What is Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup?

Now, let’s dig into the name—Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup. I mean, who doesn’t love the sound of “quick and easy” in the kitchen? It rolls off the tongue just as smoothly as the soup goes down your throat! But seriously, have you ever thought about how food names can tell stories? This soup was born from the idea of bringing happiness to hectic mealtimes without sacrificing flavor or health. After all, they say, "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," but let’s be honest, this soup might just have the power to charm anyone! So why not whip up a pot of this magical, creamy delight and find out for yourself? I promise it won’t disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup

What makes this Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup undeniably appealing? First, it stands out as a wholesome dish that combines protein-packed white beans with a savory broth. You can practically taste the love! Moreover, making this soup at home is a cost-saving benefit—far less than take-out or expensive restaurant meals, and loaded with flavor! Having a batch of this hearty soup ready means you can fill your family’s bellies without breaking the bank.

Finally, the garnishes and toppings are where you can let your creativity shine! Sprinkle some fresh parsley or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavors. If you’re a fan of other flavorful soups, be sure to check out my delightful minestrone soup, which, like this one, is packed with veggie goodness and comfort. So give this Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup a try—your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!

How to Make Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup

Quick Overview

This delectable white bean soup is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and full of vibrant flavors. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm bowl of soup that rivals the best homemade varieties. It’s creamy, nutrient-rich, and a brilliant option for cozy evenings or unexpected guests.

Key Ingredients for Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups diced cooked ham (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the drained white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re using ham, you can add it at this stage.

4. Season the Soup: Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.

5. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy this warm, hearty dish!

What to Serve Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup With:

To enhance your meal, pair the soup with a classic crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a light sandwich. A crunchy side salad with a citrus vinaigrette would provide an excellent contrasting texture to the creamy soup. Or aim for comfort by serving it with buttery grilled cheese sandwiches; a match made in heaven!

Top Tips for Perfecting Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup:

1. Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking to reduce sodium, consider making your broth at home or use low-sodium canned options.

2. Flavor Enhancements: Want more depth? A splash of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes can liven things up!

3. Avoid Common Mistakes: Be careful not to over-simmer the beans, as they can lose their texture and become mushy. You want them tender, but still intact!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For long-term storage, place the soup in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth for creaminess as needed to restore that perfect texture.

Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup is not only a breeze to make but also a heartfelt dish that resonates with comfort, warmth, and simplicity. So go ahead, dive right into this cozy concoction, and watch as it transforms a simple meal into something special that brings everyone together!

Quick & Easy White Bean Ham Soup

A comforting classic that combines creamy white beans with fragrant herbs, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz each
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 cups diced cooked ham optional
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the drained white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you're using ham, you can add it at this stage.
4. Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy this warm, hearty dish!

Notes

For ingredient substitutions, consider using low-sodium broth. Enhance flavors with lemon juice or red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.