Cannellini Bean Ham Soup: A Hearty & Delicious Recipe

Cannellini Bean Ham Soup: the hearty, comforting bowl of goodness you didn’t know you needed this week! Imagine sinking your spoon into a creamy, flavorful broth, brimming with tender cannellini beans and savory chunks of ham. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will warm you from the inside out, especially on a chilly evening.

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a dish with roots in rustic Italian cuisine, where simple, wholesome ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Cannellini beans, a staple in Italian cooking, bring a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the salty, smoky ham. Think of it as a hug in a bowl, a dish passed down through generations, each cook adding their own special touch.

What makes Cannellini Bean Ham Soup so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of satisfying flavor, hearty texture, and incredible convenience. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast! The creamy beans and savory ham create a rich, comforting flavor profile that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. So, grab your favorite soup pot, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 pound cooked ham, diced (about 3 cups)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to build a flavorful base for our soup. This involves sautéing some aromatic vegetables. Trust me, this step is crucial for a really delicious final product.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften properly will release their natural sweetness and create a richer flavor in the soup.
3. Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be intoxicating!

Building the Soup:

Now that we have our flavorful base, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients and let the magic happen. This is where the soup really starts to come together.

1. Add the broth, ham, and spices: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced ham, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The ham will infuse the broth with a wonderful smoky flavor.
2. Add the cannellini beans and bay leaf: Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined. The cannellini beans will add a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the soup.
3. Bring to a simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the more tender the ham will become.
4. Season to taste: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount of salt and pepper and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Optional: Pureeing for a Creamier Texture:

This step is completely optional, but if you prefer a creamier soup, you can puree a portion of it. I personally love the texture it adds!

1. Puree a portion of the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree about 1-2 cups of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender, but be very careful when blending hot liquids. Make sure to vent the blender lid to prevent pressure from building up.
2. Return to the pot: If you used a regular blender, return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir well to combine the pureed soup with the remaining soup. This will create a lovely, creamy texture without adding any cream.

Serving:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up this delicious and comforting Cannellini Bean Ham Soup.

1. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. A sprinkle of extra black pepper is also a nice touch.
2. Serve with crusty bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Add Greens: For added nutrition and flavor, stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cannellini beans with a fork before adding them to the pot. This will help to thicken the soup naturally.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Cannellini Bean Ham Soup as much as I do! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Cannellini Bean Ham Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal, especially on a chilly evening. The creamy cannellini beans perfectly complement the salty ham, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations. But what truly sets this soup apart is its versatility. While the recipe as written is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a delightful kick. Serving Suggestions: * Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. Sourdough or Italian bread are excellent choices. * Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal. * For a heartier meal, add some cooked pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, to the soup. * Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Variations: * For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham. * Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or spinach, to the soup for added nutrients and flavor. * Use different types of beans, such as Great Northern beans or navy beans, in place of cannellini beans. * If you don’t have leftover ham, you can use diced ham from the deli or even cooked bacon. * For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham, and it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The beauty of this Cannellini Bean Ham Soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. This soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a shared experience, a connection through food. Let’s build a community of soup lovers, one delicious bowl at a time. Print