Hearty White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham (Print Version)

White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham is a comforting meal. Learn my family's recipe for this hearty, flavorful soup perfect for chilly evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 90 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Beans

01 - 1 lb dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
02 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Meat & Aromatics

04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
06 - 2 carrots, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 8 oz cooked turkey ham, diced

→ Flavor Builders

10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, those dried beans need a good soak. I usually do it overnight, but if I forget (which, oops, happens more often than I'd like to admit!), a quick soak works too. Just cover them with water by a few inches, bring to a boil for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for an hour. Drain 'em, rinse 'em, and they’re ready for action. This step is crucial for creamy beans in your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham, trust me on this.
02 - Grab a nice big pot or Dutch oven, drizzle in some olive oil, and get it warm over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. This is where the magic starts, the smell is just incredible! Sauté these until they’re softened and the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Don't rush this; those sweet, mellow flavors are the backbone of your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham. I always make sure they’re truly soft, no crunch allowed!
03 - Now, stir in that minced garlic. Oh, the aroma! Let it cook for just a minute until fragrant; you don’t want it to burn, that’s a rookie mistake I’ve definitely made before. Then, add your diced turkey ham. Let it cook for a few minutes, getting a little browned and crispy on the edges. This really brings out its smoky flavor, making your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham extra special. It's a quick step, but so important!
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, add the undrained diced tomatoes, and toss in the bay leaf and dried thyme. Now, add your rinsed beans to the pot. Give it all a good stir, making sure everything is nicely combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer away. This is where the flavors truly meld and deepen for your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham.
05 - Let your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until those beans are wonderfully tender. Check them periodically; you want them soft and creamy, not mushy, but definitely not firm. If the soup gets too thick, just add a little more broth or water. Taste it, really taste it! This is where you can adjust your salt and pepper. I always forget to taste until the end, oops, but it's better to season as you go!
06 - Once the beans are tender and the flavors are singing, remove the bay leaf (important, you don't want to bite into that!). Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down, which usually only takes a minute or two. Give your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham one final taste and adjust any seasonings. Ladle it into bowls, maybe with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. It should look rich, smell amazing, and feel incredibly comforting.

# Notes:

01 - Always soak your dried beans to ensure they cook evenly and become super creamy.
02 - This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s a fantastic meal-prep option!
03 - If you're out of turkey ham, smoked sausage or even pancetta can work, though the flavor will be richer.
04 - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really brightens up all the flavors.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 25g

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