Hearty Ham, Bean & Spinach Soup
Warm up with this delicious and nutritious Hearty Ham, Bean & Spinach Soup, a perfect dish for chilly days. Inspired by a Weight Watchers recipe, this comforting soup is packed with protein from the ham and beans, along with vibrant spinach and carrots for added nutrition. Easy to prepare in one pot, it's not just healthy but also rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week. Enjoy the goodness in every bowl!
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked ham
2 cups (diced)
olive oil
to taste (for sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
2 (chopped)
dried sage
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
white kidney beans
1 can (approximately 19 oz.) (drained and rinsed)
chicken stock
1.5 cups (homemade or store-bought)
water
2 cups (for boiling)
fresh spinach
1 bag (or 1/2 package frozen)
Instructions
1
In a large non-stick saucepan, lightly brush olive oil and heat over medium heat.
2
Add the cooked ham, chopped onions, and carrots to the pan. Sprinkle in the dried sage, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
3
Next, stir in the drained and rinsed white kidney beans, alongside the chicken stock and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Finally, add the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, or until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.
6
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham, Bean & Spinach Soup?
It is a nutritious, one-pot comforting soup packed with protein, spinach, and beans, inspired by a Weight Watchers recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are 160 calories per serving.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can of white kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use half a package of thawed frozen spinach as a substitute for one bag of fresh spinach.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep and can be easily reheated throughout the week.
What is the main seasoning used in this soup?
The primary seasoning used is 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The ham, onions, and carrots should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened.
Does this recipe require a lot of equipment?
No, it is a one-pot meal that only requires a large non-stick saucepan.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup contains 4.5g of fat per serving.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The recipe includes onions, carrots, and spinach.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
Do I need to use homemade chicken stock?
You can use either homemade or store-bought chicken stock.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the ham be prepared?
The ham should be pre-cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces.
When should I add the spinach to the pot?
Add the spinach at the very end and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until it is fully wilted.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using a light brushing of olive oil.
How much liquid is needed for the soup?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water.
Do I need to boil the soup?
Yes, after adding the beans and stock, bring the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use other types of beans?
While white kidney beans are specified, similar beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans would work well.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, protein-rich, and vegetable-packed meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of the onions and carrots after sautéing?
The onions should be translucent and the carrots should be softened.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for chilly days.
How do I serve the soup?
Serve the soup hot immediately after the spinach has wilted.
What type of ham is best?
Any cooked ham will work; it is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh sage?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage.
What size can of beans is needed?
An approximately 19 oz. can of white kidney beans is required.
Can I add more water if the soup is too thick?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or stock if desired.