Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, "Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup" is a comforting twist on a classic dish that's perfect for cozy nights. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender cannellini beans, savory diced ham, and a medley of sautéed vegetables—including sweet carrots and aromatic onions—simmered in a rich, herb-laden chicken broth. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky depth, while fresh baby spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and nutrients. Ready in just one hour, this wholesome soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread and is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Loaded with protein and packed with flavor, it’s truly not your average ham and bean soup!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced ham to the pot and stir well to combine.

Step 5

Stir in the cannellini beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup.

Step 8

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3448.4 grams (3448.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2012

Total Fat 60.70g	78%
Saturated Fat 15.30g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 275mg	92%
Sodium 9956mg	433%
Total Carbohydrate 189.20g	69%
Dietary Fiber 54.00g	193%
Total Sugars 32.30g
Protein 179.10g	358%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 872mg	67%
Iron 28mg	157%
Potassium 6918mg	147%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.1%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 37.5%