You will love this White Bean & Ham Soup Recipe down to the very last savory spoonful! A true classic, this hearty soup combines tender white beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, homemade broth. It’s the perfect budget-friendly meal to warm you up on a chilly day.

• 1 pound of dried white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), or 3-4 (15 oz.) cans, drained. *Dried beans offer a superior texture and absorb the ham broth beautifully. If using canned, rinse them thoroughly.*
• 8 cups chicken stock. *High-quality chicken stock will enhance the depth of flavor. You can also use vegetable stock for a lighter base.*
• 2–3 pounds of ham shanks or hocks, each cut into 2 sections. *These bones are essential for developing that incredibly rich, smoky ham broth.*
• 1 cup diced onions. *A foundational aromatic, providing sweetness and savory notes.*
• 1 cup chopped celery. *Adds a subtle peppery flavor and texture to the soup’s base.*
• 1 cup chopped carrots. *Contributing natural sweetness and a vibrant color, carrots are a must for classic soup flavor.*
• 3 cloves garlic, diced. *Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory kick that brightens the overall taste.*
• 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence. *This fragrant blend (often including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender) adds a sophisticated, herbaceous dimension to the soup.*
• Tabasco sauce (optional). *A few dashes can add a gentle warmth and complexity without making the soup overly spicy.*
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. *Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process and adjusting at the end.*

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: If using dried white beans, begin by soaking them. Place the 1 pound of dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with at least 2 quarts of cold water. Allow them to soak for approximately 2 hours. This process helps them soften and reduces cooking time. After soaking, thoroughly drain the water. If you’re opting for canned beans, simply drain and rinse them, and you can add them later in step 2.
2. Simmer the Ham Broth: Place the ham shank pieces into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add enough water to ensure the ham shanks are fully submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about an hour. This initial simmering extracts the incredible flavor from the ham bones, creating a rich base.
3. Add Vegetables and Beans: After the first hour of simmering, carefully add the diced onions, chopped celery, chopped carrots, diced garlic, herbs de Provence, and your pre-soaked (or rinsed canned) white beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Continue to cook the soup for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender, and the ham meat is easily pulled away from the bone with a fork. The beans should also be tender and creamy.
4. Shred the Ham: Carefully remove the ham shanks and bones from the pot. Place the ham shanks on a cutting board and allow them to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, discard the bones and any excess fat or gristle. Shred the tender ham meat using two forks, then return the shredded ham back into the soup. This ensures every spoonful has a wonderful bite of savory ham.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, add a few dashes of Tabasco sauce for a subtle kick. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread for dipping.

This delightful White Bean & Ham Soup recipe has been adapted from the classic version found on Simply Recipes, bringing you a tried-and-true method for a heartwarming meal.

Tips for Success:

• Bean Choice: While cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal, any medium-sized white bean will work. For convenience, good-quality canned beans can be used, just be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Ham Selection: Ham shanks (also known as ham hocks) are fantastic for their rich flavor and gelatin content, which adds body to the broth. Smoked ham hocks will impart a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Broth Enhancement: If you have leftover ham bone from a holiday meal, it’s perfect for making the broth even more flavorful. You can also add a bay leaf to the simmering broth for an extra aromatic touch.
• Thickening the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher, or blend a cup or two of the soup in a blender before returning it to the pot.
• Serving Suggestions: This White Bean & Ham Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. It’s a complete meal on its own, but these accompaniments elevate the experience.

Storage and Freezing:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.