White Bean and Ham Soup
This comforting White Bean and Ham Soup is more than just a meal, it's a reminder of spending time with the family. Whether you use a leftover ham bone from the previous day's holiday party, or by spending the afternoon together while it slowly simmers, this rich and savory soup will always be memorable.
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- 4-6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- ½ tsp caynne pepper
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lbs. dried Navy Beans sorted and soaked overnight
- 1 lbs. smoked ham hock
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups cook ham diced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- green onions chopped, for garnishment
Instructions
- Soak the Navy Beans overnight and rinse before using or use the quick soak method. The beans don't have to be soaked, but by soaking them you reduce the cooking time.
- In a large pot over MEDIUM heat, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in the olive oil until the vegetables have become tender, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to stir for 1 minute.
- Add all of the seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground thyme, cayenne pepper, and Italian Seasoning and continue to stir for another 1 minute.
- Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, the Navy Beans, bay leaves, and smoked ham hock, and bring to a boil - about 10 minutes. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans have become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add warm water to the pot if the beans begin to dry out.
- Remove bay leaves from the pot and discard. Carefully take the ham hock out and place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, remove any meat from the ham hock and add the meat back to the pot. Discard the skin and bones.
- Add the cooked ham and season with salt and pepper and cook for 30 minutes longer.
- To serve, ladle the Ham and White Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Offer warm bread or crackers at the table. Enjoy!
