Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Leftover Ham
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially when it’s as robust and flavorful as this White Bean and Ham Soup. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both deeply nourishing and incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with protein from delicious ham and fiber from hearty white beans, it’s designed to be a lifesaver for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.
In a world where quick and easy meals are highly sought after, this white bean and ham soup truly shines. It’s the quintessential recipe for utilizing that leftover ham from a holiday feast, transforming it into a brand new, exciting dish. But don’t worry if you don’t have leftovers; pre-cooked ham makes this soup equally convenient, cutting down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor. This means you can have a gourmet-tasting, homemade meal on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.
The Appeal of Homemade Soup: A Comfort Food Staple
Homemade soups have a special place in our hearts and kitchens. They offer a unique blend of warmth, flavor, and the wholesome goodness of fresh ingredients. It’s no surprise that when I recently asked my community what recipes they wanted more of in 2019, soup recipes topped the list! And I couldn’t agree more; soups are a constant rotation in my home, particularly when the weather turns chilly.
Today, I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the Ohio Pork Council to bring you this exceptionally hearty White Bean and Ham Soup. This partnership allows us to highlight the quality and versatility of pork, a fantastic protein source that forms the backbone of this satisfying soup. The ham infuses the broth with a smoky, savory depth that elevates the entire dish, creating a flavor profile that is both rich and inviting.
What makes this soup truly remarkable is its ability to be light yet incredibly filling. You’ll feel nourished and satisfied without that heavy feeling, thanks to the balanced combination of lean ham, fiber-rich white beans, and fresh vegetables. It’s a meal that truly satisfies on all fronts.
Maximizing Flavor and Minimizing Waste: The Leftover Ham Solution
One of the primary reasons I adore this soup is its brilliant use of leftover ham. If you’re like me, a holiday ham often means an abundance of delicious leftovers. While ham sandwiches are always a classic, sometimes you crave something a little different. This ham soup provides the perfect answer, transforming what might otherwise become forgotten leftovers into a vibrant, flavorful main course.
Beyond being an excellent solution for leftover ham recipes, this soup is also incredibly adaptable for those moments when you don’t have a holiday ham on hand. Many grocery stores now offer pre-cooked, diced ham, which is a game-changer for speed and convenience. You simply purchase it, chop it further if desired, and add it to the soup. It’s fully cooked, so it just needs to warm through, making your cooking process even quicker.
This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy this delightful White Bean and Ham Soup whenever the craving strikes, whether you’re repurposing a festive meal or putting together a last-minute dinner. It’s a testament to smart cooking and delicious outcomes.
Customize Your Bowl: How to Modify This White Bean and Ham Soup
One of the beauties of a good soup recipe is its inherent flexibility. This White Bean and Ham Soup is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what your family enjoys. Here are some ideas to make this soup truly your own:
- Bean Varieties: While white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern) provide a wonderful creamy texture and mild flavor, don’t hesitate to add other beans or swap them out entirely. Navy beans offer a similar consistency, while kidney beans or even black beans would introduce a different color and slightly earthier taste. You could even use a mix of two or three types for added complexity and nutritional variety.
- Leafy Greens: I love the combination of kale and spinach for their nutritional punch and how they gently wilt into the broth. However, this soup welcomes any leafy green you have on hand. Swiss chard, collard greens, or even a handful of chopped mustard greens would be excellent additions, providing both flavor and a vibrant pop of color. Add them towards the end of cooking to retain some texture and nutrients.
- Extra Vegetables: The base vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) are essential, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to adding more! Go ahead and raid your fridge for any lingering produce. Diced zucchini adds a fresh element, while a can of diced tomatoes (undrained) can introduce a lovely acidity and depth. Broccoli florets, frozen peas, or fresh green beans are also fantastic choices that cook quickly and boost the soup’s overall nutrient content. Consider adding a diced bell pepper for sweetness and color.
- Cheese & Creaminess: A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at serving time is a classic touch that adds a salty, umami finish. For an even richer flavor and a hint of creaminess during cooking, try adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in just before serving can also add a delightful tang and creaminess.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. A dash of hot sauce in your individual bowl can also provide a personalized kick.
Crafting Your White Bean and Ham Soup: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
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White Bean and Ham Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups Vegetable stock, or chicken stock
- 3 cups leftover ham, diced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup kale , or spinach {optional}
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for two minutes. Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot and continue to sauté until the onion is soft.
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Add the broth, ham, white beans, oregano, rosemary, mustard powder, basil and bay leaves and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Add the kale or spinach if you would like and simmer until it is wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste along with crushed red pepper for spice.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, freshly grated parmesan and crushed red pepper.
Notes
- For the ham feel free to use leftover ham you might have or try finding a precooked ham at the store.
- There are companies that now make ham that is pre-cooked, meaning you can chop it up and simmer in the soup for minimal time and it will be ready to eat.
- This soup would also be great with navy beans or kidney beans.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post is proudly sponsored by OhioPork.org, an organization dedicated to promoting high-quality pork products. As always, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own. Your support for the brands that make A Cedar Spoon possible is deeply appreciated!
Expert Tips for the Best White Bean and Ham Soup
- Don’t Skimp on Sautéing: The initial sautéing of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery isn’t just about softening them; it’s about building the foundational flavor of your soup. Allow them to cook until slightly caramelized for a deeper, sweeter taste.
- Ham Quality Matters: Whether using leftover or pre-cooked ham, choose a good quality ham. A smoky ham will impart the most wonderful flavor to your broth. If using a ham bone from a previous roast, consider adding it to the stock as it simmers, then removing it before serving for an even richer taste.
- Rinse Your Beans: Always drain and rinse canned white beans thoroughly. This removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid, leading to a cleaner, fresher-tasting soup.
- Season in Layers: While the recipe provides measurements for herbs and spices, always taste and adjust seasonings as you go. Ham can be salty, so add salt incrementally after the ham and broth are incorporated. Finish with a final taste test before serving.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: The fresh basil and parsley at the end aren’t just for looks. They add a bright, fresh aromatic lift that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory soup. Don’t skip them!
- Storage and Freezing: This soup makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Why Choose White Bean and Ham Soup for Your Next Meal?
This protein-packed ham soup is more than just delicious; it’s a smart choice for a variety of reasons:
- Nutrient-Rich: White beans are a powerhouse of fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full. Ham provides a significant source of lean protein for muscle health. Coupled with a variety of vegetables, this soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Budget-Friendly: By utilizing leftover ham, you’re making the most of your ingredients and stretching your food budget. Even with pre-cooked ham, this soup is often more economical than many other dinner options.
- Weeknight Winner: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, it’s genuinely a 30-minute meal. Perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying.
- Comforting & Hearty: On a cold evening, nothing beats a warm, flavorful bowl of soup. This recipe delivers a hearty, comforting experience that feels like a hug in a bowl, without being overly heavy.
- Versatile: As discussed, the recipe is highly customizable. You can adapt it to your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a truly flexible dish.
Whether you’re looking for a clever way to use up holiday ham, a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, or simply a delicious bowl of comfort, this White Bean and Ham Soup is an exceptional choice. Its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in constant rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious warmth it brings to your table!