Savory Herb Ham and Bean Soup

Name: Savory Herb Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked ham, diced; 2 cups dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 8 cups chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, look no further than this Savory Herb Ham and Bean Soup. It combines tender beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic herbs into a bowl of comforting deliciousness — perfect for chilly days or when you need a little culinary hug.

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Ingredients for Savory Herb Ham and Bean Soup

The star of this soup is undoubtedly the ham, which adds a savory, smoky depth. Choose a cooked ham for convenience and extra flavor. Cannellini beans are creamy and mild, perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth. The onion and garlic lend a foundational aromatic base, while carrots and celery introduce a subtle sweetness and crunch. Fresh parsley brightens the soup at the end, and the combination of thyme and rosemary delivers a warm, earthy fragrance. A single bay leaf adds complexity, and the robust chicken broth ties it all together. A dash of salt and pepper enhances the flavors, and olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a touch of richness.

Tips & Tricks

If you're short on time, use canned beans. Rinse and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Want to thicken the soup? Mash a few beans against the pot with a spoon.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is lovely served with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttered roll. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top makes a delightful finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of bean?: Absolutely! Navy beans or great northern beans work well too.
How should I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this vegetarian?: Yes, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables for more substance.

Savory Herb Ham and Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced onion and garlic — cook them until they're soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the aromatic base for your soup.

Next, add the carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté them for another 5 minutes until they start to soften. You want them tender but not mushy since they'll cook further in the broth.

Now, stir in the diced ham. Cook it until it's slightly browned, which will enhance its flavor and give a slight crispy texture. This should take around 5 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked cannellini beans. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The beans should be tender and the flavors melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finally, stir in the fresh parsley right before serving. This adds a burst of freshness to the soup. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for batch cooking or meal prep — it freezes beautifully.
A budget-friendly meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Rich in protein and fiber, making it a nourishing choice.
Customizable with seasonal veggies or spices.

Ingredients

1 lb cooked ham, diced

2 cups dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

8 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.

3. Stir in carrots and celery, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Add the diced ham and cook until slightly browned.

5. Pour in chicken broth and add soaked cannellini beans.

6. Stir in thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender.