Cozy 30-Minute Ham & White Bean Soup
Cooking for two can be a fun yet challenging culinary adventure! This Cozy 30-Minute Ham & White Bean Soup offers a delightful solution, seamlessly mimicking the comfort of a hearty bean soup without the hassle of extensive prep or unwanted leftovers. Utilizing canned Great Northern beans, this recipe transforms their often lackluster flavor by adding a splash of bright lemon juice. The blend of vegetables, such as carrots and celery, creates a vibrant and wholesome base, while the diced ham adds a savory depth that can be substituted with crumbled bacon for a richer twist. Feel free to customize the vegetable mix to suit your personal taste and seasonal availability. This is not just a recipe; it's an invitation to explore your palate and create a soup that perfectly matches your cravings. Ideal for a cozy dinner with your favorite person, or for a quick weeknight meal, enjoy every comforting spoonful!
2
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine or butter
2 teaspoons (melted)
Celery rib
1 (finely diced)
Carrot
1 (finely diced)
Onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
Potatoes
2 small (about 1/2 cup) (peeled and finely diced)
Cooked lean ham
1/2 cup (diced)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (ready to use)
Great Northern beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instant potato flakes
2 tablespoons (used to thicken soup)
Green onion
to taste (thinly sliced (optional))
Tomatoes
to taste (peeled and diced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine (or butter) over medium-high heat.
2
Add the finely diced celery, carrot, and minced onions to the saucepan. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the peeled and finely diced potatoes along with the diced ham. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Stir in the lemon juice and season with black pepper to taste.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 minutes.
6
Gradually stir in the instant potato flakes, adjusting the quantity until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
7
For added garnishes, serve topped with thinly sliced green onions and/or peeled, diced tomatoes if desired.
8
Enjoy hot, paired with fresh, buttered cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this soup take to make?
This Cozy Ham and White Bean Soup is designed to be a quick meal that takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is specifically portioned for two people, making it ideal for a cozy dinner.
What type of beans should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
Can I substitute the ham in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the diced ham with crumbled bacon for a richer flavor, or omit it for a vegetarian option.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by gradually stirring in instant potato flakes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Why is lemon juice included in the ingredients?
A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice is added to brighten the flavor of the canned Great Northern beans.
What vegetables are used in the base?
The base consists of finely diced celery, carrots, and minced onions.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
As written it contains ham and chicken broth, but it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the ham.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 14-ounce can of low sodium chicken broth.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving in this ham and bean soup.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 2 teaspoons of margarine or butter to sauté the vegetables.
How long do I sauté the celery and carrots?
Sauté the celery, carrots, and onions for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
How long should the potatoes simmer?
The potatoes should simmer in the broth for approximately 10 minutes or until they are tender.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
This soup contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe has a low fat content of approximately 5 grams per serving.
Are the potatoes peeled or unpeeled?
The potatoes should be peeled and finely diced before being added to the soup.
What are suggested garnishes for this soup?
You can garnish the soup with thinly sliced green onions and peeled, diced tomatoes if desired.
Should I drain the beans before adding them?
Yes, the Great Northern beans should be both drained and rinsed before being added to the saucepan.
What is a good side dish for this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with fresh, buttered cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your personal taste and seasonal availability.
Is the ham supposed to be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of cooked lean ham.
What if I do not have instant potato flakes?
You can mash a portion of the beans or use a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the soup instead.
How large should the diced potatoes be?
The potatoes should be finely diced to ensure they cook through within the 10-minute simmering time.
Is this soup good for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a 30-minute total time and simple ingredients, it is ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
The onions should be minced to integrate well with the other small-diced vegetables.
Can I use Cannellini beans instead of Great Northern?
Yes, Cannellini or Navy beans are excellent substitutes for Great Northern beans in this soup.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you should season with black pepper to your personal taste.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
You should use medium-high heat to melt the fat and sauté the initial vegetable mix.
Is this recipe good for avoiding leftovers?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for two servings to minimize unwanted leftovers.