Name: Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive Oil plus more for serving; 8 oz diced ham; 2 medium Carrots; 2 stalk Celery; 1 medium Yellow onion chopped; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt plus more to taste; 2 clove Garlic; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 4 cup Chicken Stock; 2 can cannellini or navy beans drained and rinsed; 1 leaf bay leaf; 6 sprig Thyme; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper plus more to taste; 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Cooking Instructions

1
Brown the ham
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
Tip: Browning the ham deeply improves the overall flavor of the broth.
Cleanup: Use a paper towel to wipe any oil splatters around the stovetop before proceeding.
2
Sauté the vegetables
Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Season with the kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Tip: Let the tomato paste darken slightly for a richer, sweeter flavor.
Cleanup: Rinse the tomato paste spoon right away to prevent sticking.
3
Simmer the soup
Add the chicken stock, beans, bay leaf, and thyme (tied into a bundle). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tip: Keep the simmer low to avoid breaking up the beans too much.
Cleanup: Place the thyme stems directly into compost or trash once removed to keep the counter tidy.
4
Finish and serve
Remove the thyme bundle and bay leaf. Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley.
Tip: A drizzle of olive oil over each bowl adds a lovely finishing touch.
Cleanup: Soak the Dutch oven in warm soapy water while you eat for easier cleaning.

Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

Brown the ham

Sauté the vegetables

Simmer the soup

Finish and serve

Make dinner one less decision.