Smoky White Bean and Ham Soup

White bean and ham soup in a bowl on a plate with a spoon to the side.

Smoky White Bean and Ham Soup

White Bean and Ham Soup is a rustic, warming soup with Southern-style, rich, smoky flavor. The creamy beans, salty ham, and creamy tomato soup base are so delicious together! Plus, this recipe is very hands-off.

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Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ham and bean soup, white bean and ham soup

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: -6 servings

Calories: 499kcal

Author: Lyn Croyle

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral vegetable oil
½ yellow onion diced small, about 1 cup
1 medium carrot sliced thin, about 1 cup
1 rib celery sliced thin
3-4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken broth
2 15-ounce cans white beans such as cannellini beans, northern beans, or navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup diced ham steak or leftover ham
½ cup half and half or coconut milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3-4 dashes hot sauce optional (Tabasco or other Louisiana-style hot sauce)
salt taste before adding (you may or not need it)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish optional

Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onions, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, cook one minute longer.
Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, white beans, and ham to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
Stir together half and half or coconut milk and cornstarch. Stir into soup, add hot sauce, salt and pepper, and cook for five minutes longer to thicken.
Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

This soup is perfect for leftover ham or you can add a ham hock for extra flavor. The smoky flavor adds richness to the dish.
Ham is naturally salty, so wait until the end of cooking to taste and adjust the salt. You may find you don't need to add any at all.
Stir in kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for an easy way to add more veggies and color.
For a creamier texture without cornstarch, mash some of the beans directly in the pot.
For a dairy-free option, swap half and half for coconut milk or coconut cream.
If you want it a little more spicy, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

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