This hearty White Bean and Ham Soup combines tender cannellini beans with smoky ham hock, creating a rustic and warming dish perfect for any season. The long simmering process melds the flavors into a creamy, savory soup that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ¾ pound dried cannellini beans
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch half-moons
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 large cooked ham hock or 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 6 cups chicken broth
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ⅓ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving

Directions

1. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of water, and soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, smoked paprika, ham hock, 4 cups of water, and 4 cups of chicken stock.
4. Add the drained beans to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the mixture begins to foam, about 30 minutes. Skim off the foam, then stir in the salt and pepper.
5. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, adding more water as needed, about 1½ hours.
6. Transfer the ham hock to a cutting board or plate. Remove the meat from the bone and cut into bite-sized pieces (you should have 1-2 cups). Return the ham to the pot, discarding the bone.
7. Add the remaining chicken stock and parsley. Simmer until the stock is warmed through, about 10 minutes.
8. Serve topped with freshly cracked black pepper and additional parsley.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 324
• Protein: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Dietary Fiber: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 21 mg
• Sodium: 988 mg
• Total Sugars: 3 g

The Origins and History of White Bean and Ham Soup

White Bean and Ham Soup, like many classic soups, is a humble dish with a history rooted in traditional home cooking. While the specific origins of this recipe are unclear, it draws inspiration from many European and American regional soups that have been passed down through generations. Historically, beans were a staple ingredient in many cultures due to their affordability, long shelf life, and versatility. Beans, including the cannellini bean used in this recipe, have been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years, from ancient Rome to modern-day kitchens around the world.

In the United States, bean soups featuring ham or pork have long been a symbol of comfort and warmth, often made as a way to use up leftovers from a large family meal. The combination of beans and ham makes this soup both flavorful and filling, providing a satisfying meal for families on a budget. Over time, this simple yet hearty soup has evolved, with various cultures adding their own touches, such as herbs, spices, and different cuts of meat.

Why Choose White Bean and Ham Soup?

There are many reasons why White Bean and Ham Soup remains a popular choice in kitchens worldwide. First and foremost, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy beans and savory ham create a well-balanced and satisfying dish that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. The soup is also incredibly versatile and can be adapted based on personal preferences and available ingredients. You can use a ham hock for a deeper flavor or opt for diced ham if you prefer a quicker cooking time. Additionally, the soup can be customized by adding vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or potatoes, to enhance its flavor and nutritional value.

Another compelling reason to choose White Bean and Ham Soup is its nutritional benefits. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. When paired with ham, which provides a good source of protein, this soup becomes a well-rounded meal that can keep you full and satisfied for hours. Moreover, the beans in this soup contribute to heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol levels and improving digestion.

The Key Ingredients: Cannellini Beans and Ham

The heart of this soup lies in its two key ingredients: cannellini beans and ham. Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are large, creamy, and mildly flavored beans. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in soups, salads, and stews. Their soft texture and ability to absorb flavors make them an excellent base for soups like this one. Cannellini beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ham, particularly the ham hock or leftover diced ham, brings a smoky, rich flavor to the soup that complements the beans beautifully. Ham hocks, which are the lower portion of a pig’s leg, contain connective tissue and fat that, when slow-cooked, break down into a flavorful, rich broth. This slow cooking process imparts a deep, savory taste to the soup. Diced ham, on the other hand, can be used for a quicker cooking time without sacrificing flavor. Either way, ham adds a savory element that enhances the overall richness of the soup.

The Health Benefits of White Bean and Ham Soup

White Bean and Ham Soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It offers a variety of health benefits, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to eat a balanced meal. The beans in the soup are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Protein also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting various bodily functions.

The high fiber content in the beans helps regulate digestion and supports gut health. Fiber can also help lower cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health. In addition to fiber, beans are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress.

Ham, while higher in fat than some other protein sources, also provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients like zinc and vitamin B12. Zinc plays a key role in supporting the immune system, while vitamin B12 is important for maintaining healthy nerve function and producing red blood cells.

Additionally, the soup can be customized to be even healthier by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium. These nutrient-dense vegetables can further boost the soup’s nutritional profile while adding flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Perfect White Bean and Ham Soup

Making the perfect White Bean and Ham Soup is easy with a few tips to ensure the best results. First, be sure to soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking. Soaking beans helps reduce their cooking time and improves their digestibility by breaking down certain complex sugars that can cause bloating.

If you’re using a ham hock, don’t skip the long simmering time. The collagen and fat from the ham hock need time to break down and infuse the broth with flavor. If you’re using diced ham, the cooking time can be shortened, but you may need to adjust the seasoning since ham is already salted.

For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves while the soup simmers. These herbs complement the beans and ham, infusing the broth with their aromatic qualities. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend part of the soup to create a thicker consistency.

Don’t forget to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on the saltiness of your ham, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the soup. Additionally, freshly cracked black pepper can be added to taste for a bit of heat.

White Bean and Ham Soup Variations

While the traditional recipe for White Bean and Ham Soup is already packed with flavor, you can easily experiment with variations to suit your personal preferences. For a lighter version of the soup, try using turkey ham or leaner cuts of pork instead of a ham hock. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or plant-based option, you can omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth as a base. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes, to increase the nutritional value and enhance the flavor.

For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño. This will give the soup an added layer of flavor and heat. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the beans and ham.

Conclusion

White Bean and Ham Soup is a classic dish that has stood the test of time for good reason. It combines the flavors of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs to create a delicious and satisfying meal. This soup is not only easy to make but also highly nutritious, providing a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.