Rustic White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham (Print Version)
Hearty White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham is a comforting meal. Learn my family's favorite recipe, packed with flavor and easy to make for any weeknight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: High Fiber, Protein-Rich
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 large onion, diced
03 -
2 carrots, diced
04 -
2 celery stalks, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
12 oz cooked turkey ham, diced
07 -
2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
08 -
6 cups chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
09 -
1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
10 -
1 tsp dried oregano
11 -
1 bay leaf
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Optional Extras
15 -
Crusty bread for serving
16 -
A drizzle of good quality olive oil
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab your big pot or Dutch oven and heat a glug of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, honestly! Sauté them until they soften up, about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender, not browned. This step builds the foundation for our White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham, so don't rush it.
02 -
Now, push the veggies to one side and add your minced garlic to the empty space in the pot. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until it's super fragrant—but don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times! Then, stir in your diced turkey ham. Let it get a little color, maybe 3-5 minutes, releasing all its savory goodness into the pot. This adds so much flavor to the White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham.
03 -
Pour in your diced tomatoes (undrained!), the rinsed cannellini beans, chicken broth, dried oregano, bay leaf, and that lovely smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine. I always take a moment to smell it all coming together here; it's just so promising! This is where the magic of this White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham truly starts.
04 -
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20-25 minutes. This simmering time is crucial! It allows all those flavors to really get to know each other and develop. I've rushed it before, and the soup just tasted... disjointed. You want a harmonious, comforting White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham.
05 -
After simmering, remove the bay leaf (important!). Taste the soup. Does it need salt? More pepper? Maybe a tiny pinch more paprika? This is your soup, so make it sing! I usually add a bit more salt here, and sometimes a splash of water if it’s too thick for my liking. Trust your instincts, you've got this.
06 -
Ladle your beautiful, hearty White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can even add a tiny drizzle of good olive oil on top for extra richness. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like pure comfort. My favorite way to enjoy it is with a big piece of crusty bread for dipping, honestly.
# Notes:
01 -
Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings frequently during cooking; it makes all the difference.
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: This soup freezes wonderfully! Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick, comforting meals.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Swap out the turkey ham for smoked sausage if you're looking for a slightly different flavor profile.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A side of crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 25-30g