Warm your soul with a bowl of Tuscan Bean and Ham Soup, a delightful dish that transports you straight to the heart of Italy! This hearty and comforting soup is not just a meal; it's an experience filled with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends, leaving them craving more. Ready to uncover the secret to this Italian classic? Dive into our recipe and discover how to bring a taste of Tuscany to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
- Pour in drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and diced cooked ham. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle dried thyme into the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes. This will help flavors meld and vegetables become tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can also elevate the taste of your soup.
- Customize Your Ham: If you have leftover holiday ham, this is the perfect recipe to use it up! Alternatively, smoked ham adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer time can enhance the flavors even more. If you have the time, let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot, or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with crusty Italian bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
