Ham Cannellini Bean Soup (Printable)

Hearty blend of ham, creamy beans, and fresh herbs for a flavorful main dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Beans

06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Other

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
02 - Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add the cannellini beans, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein from ham and beans
  • Fresh herbs add vibrant, garden-fresh flavor that elevates this humble soup
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have on hand
  • Makes 6 generous servings, ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week
02 -
  • Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve texture
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level yourself
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitter bite
  • Fresh herbs make all the difference—dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant flavor
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers
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