Hearty White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham (Print Version)
White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham: Find comfort in every spoonful of this easy, flavorful recipe. Your perfect weeknight meal!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Homestyle)
Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)
# Ingredients:
→ Soup Base Essentials
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 celery stalks, chopped
05 -
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
06 -
1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
07 -
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
→ Flavor Power-Ups
08 -
1 tsp dried thyme
09 -
1 bay leaf
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Protein & Heartiness
11 -
8 oz turkey ham, diced
→ Garnish Goodness
12 -
2 cups fresh spinach
13 -
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
14 -
Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your favorite big pot or Dutch oven. Drizzle in that olive oil and get it warm over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Let them hang out there, softening up for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender and a little fragrant, not browned. This step is crucial, honestly; it builds the base flavor for our White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham. I always get lost in the smell here, it's just so comforting.
02 -
Now, push those veggies aside a bit and add your minced garlic to the cleared spot in the pot. Let it cook for just about 30 seconds until it's super fragrant—seriously, don't let it burn! Then stir it all together with the veggies. Toss in the dried thyme and the bay leaf, stirring for another minute. This step really wakes up those spices and gets them ready to infuse the entire White Bean Soup. I always take a deep breath here, the aroma is just incredible.
03 -
Next up, drain and rinse those cannellini beans really well. Add them to the pot along with the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to really meld together and for the beans to soak up all that goodness. Don't rush this part, it’s where the magic happens for this White Bean Soup!
04 -
After the soup has had a good simmer, it's time for the star protein! Stir in your diced turkey ham. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the ham to warm through and its smoky flavor to infuse into the broth. I love how the turkey ham adds a lovely savory depth without overpowering the delicate bean flavor in this White Bean Soup. Sometimes I even add a little extra, because why not?
05 -
Finally, remove the bay leaf – seriously, don't forget this! Then, stir in the fresh spinach. It will look like a lot, but trust me, it wilts down super fast. Cook for just a couple of minutes until the spinach is tender and bright green. This adds a lovely fresh element and a pop of color to your White Bean Soup. It’s like a little burst of sunshine at the end.
06 -
Taste your White Bean Soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, broth can vary in saltiness, so always taste before adding too much! I like to serve mine with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. It should be warm, hearty, and utterly comforting. Enjoy your delicious, homemade White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip rinsing the canned beans; it really improves the flavor and reduces sodium.
02 -
Always remove the bay leaf before serving; it's not meant to be eaten!
03 -
Season in layers, tasting as you go, especially with the salt.
04 -
A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors, honestly.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g