Some recipes never go out of style because they are simple, familiar, and easy to enjoy. Old fashioned white bean soup is one of those comforting dishes that feels right at home on a family dinner table.
It is the kind of meal that keeps things uncomplicated while still making homemade cooking feel special. With a traditional feel and an easy preparation, this soup is a wonderful choice when you want something comforting without making dinner overly complicated.
1. Old Fashioned White Bean Soup Recipe (Yield: 6 Servings)
Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans, drained
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham, or more to taste
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Drain the canned white beans in a colander and rinse them briefly under cool water. Allow them to drain well while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and ham, and mince the garlic so everything is ready before you begin cooking.
Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds.
Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Avoid cooking them over high heat because they should soften gradually without becoming heavily browned.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Keep stirring so the garlic does not burn.
Add the chopped cooked ham to the pot and stir it into the vegetables. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the ham to warm and combine with the other ingredients.
Pour the chicken broth and water into the pot. Stir well, making sure to loosen anything that may have stuck to the bottom.
Add the drained white beans and stir gently to combine. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Partially cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
After the soup has simmered, check the vegetables and beans. The vegetables should be tender, while the beans should remain intact without becoming completely mushy.
Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Be careful when adding salt because the ham and chicken broth may already contain a fair amount of sodium.
For a slightly thicker consistency, gently mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. Stir the mashed beans back into the soup and continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup stand for a few minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the soup to settle and makes it easier to portion.
Ladle the white bean soup into bowls and serve warm.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned White Bean Soup
Rinse the canned beans. Rinsing removes excess liquid from the can and helps keep the soup cleaner and more balanced.
Cut the vegetables evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook at approximately the same rate, giving the soup a more consistent texture.
Cook the vegetables before adding the liquid. Allowing the onion, carrot, and celery to soften first builds a better foundation for the soup.
Add garlic near the end of the vegetable step. Garlic cooks quickly, so adding it after the vegetables have softened helps prevent it from burning.
Use cooked ham. Since the ham is already cooked, it only needs to be heated through. Adding it before the broth gives it time to combine with the rest of the soup.
Watch the seasoning. Taste the soup before adding extra salt. The broth and ham can already provide significant seasoning.
Do not boil aggressively. A gentle simmer is enough to cook the vegetables and bring the soup together while helping the beans maintain their shape.
Mash only a few beans if you want a thicker soup. This simple step can naturally thicken the broth without adding flour or another thickener.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried white beans instead of canned beans?
Yes. Dried beans can be used, but they need to be fully cooked before adding them to the soup. Cooking time will be considerably longer than when using canned beans, so prepare the beans separately according to their package directions.
What types of white beans can I use?
Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, and navy beans are all suitable options. They vary slightly in size and texture, but each can work well in this type of soup.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes. White bean soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing the soup to sit can make it convenient for meal preparation because it can simply be reheated when needed.
Why did my beans become too soft?
Beans can become very soft when they are simmered for too long or cooked at too high a temperature. Since canned beans are already fully cooked, they only need enough time to heat through and absorb some of the surrounding ingredients.
How should I reheat leftover soup?
Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened considerably in the refrigerator, add a small amount of chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate for one serving based on the listed ingredients divided into six servings. Actual values can vary depending on the type of white beans, ham, chicken broth, and other brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1,180 mg |
| Calcium | 105 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Old Fashioned White Bean Soup is an easy recipe that makes a satisfying homemade meal with a straightforward preparation process. The ingredients can be prepared in advance, and the soup comes together in a single pot, making it practical for everyday cooking.
The recipe is also easy to keep on hand for meal planning and leftovers. With a simple cooking method and a few useful techniques, you can make a comforting pot of soup without needing an elaborate recipe or complicated kitchen equipment.
