Description
A warm and comforting soup made with tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a rich, hearty broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or smoked turkey for halal option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak overnight, then drain and rinse.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add beans, ham, chicken broth, water, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours (or 30–40 minutes if using canned beans) until beans are tender.
- Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use smoked turkey or beef instead of ham for a halal version.
- Leftovers thicken over time; add broth when reheating.
- Can be made in a slow cooker (6–8 hours on low).
- Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American