White Bean and Potato Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a bowl of White Bean and Potato Soup. Packed with savory ham, tender vegetables, and creamy beans, this soup offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of chicken or turkey stock with the heartiness of potatoes, beans, and ham, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you’re using leftovers or preparing a fresh batch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for White Bean and Potato Soup

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty soup:

• 8 cups of chicken or turkey stock – The rich broth provides a savory base for the soup and adds depth to the flavors.
• 1 leftover ham bone – The ham bone is key to infusing the soup with a smoky, rich flavor as it stews in the stock.
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of Cannellini, Great Northern, Pinto, or Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed – These beans add creaminess and protein to the soup.
• 2 cups of diced peeled potatoes (or two small-medium potatoes) – Potatoes bring a starchy, comforting texture to the soup.
• 3 cups of chopped ham – The chopped ham enhances the soup with its smoky, meaty goodness.
• 1 1/2 cups of diced celery – Celery adds a fresh, crisp element to balance the richness of the soup.
• 1 1/2 cups of diced baby carrots – Carrots bring sweetness and color to the dish.
• 1 cup of chopped onions (or 1 medium onion chopped) – Onions provide a savory, aromatic foundation for the soup.
• 1/2 tsp of dried thyme – Thyme imparts an earthy, herbal note to the soup.
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• 1/2 tsp of garlic powder – Garlic powder gives the soup a subtle savory flavor.
• Black pepper and salt to taste – Seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making White Bean and Potato Soup

This hearty soup is simple to prepare and cooks in just a few steps. Follow along with these easy instructions to create a rich, flavorful soup perfect for cozy dinners.

Step 1: Prepare the Stock

In a large pot, add 8 cups of chicken or turkey stock along with the ham bone. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. The ham bone might not be fully submerged in the stock, but that’s fine. Let the broth simmer for about one hour. This process allows the ham bone to infuse the stock with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the stock is simmering, prepare your vegetables. Start with dicing the celery, carrots, and onions. These ingredients will be added to the pot later, contributing texture and flavor to the soup.

For the potatoes, dice them just before you’re ready to add them to the pot. Potatoes tend to brown if left out too long, so it’s best to prep them last. If you need to prep them earlier, place the diced potatoes in water to prevent browning.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

After the ham bone has simmered for about an hour, carefully remove it from the pot. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the diced celery, carrots, and onions. Stir in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.

Let the vegetables cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This step enhances the flavor of the vegetables and gives them a little bit of color.

Step 4: Add the Beans, Ham, and Adjust the Broth

Once the vegetables are tender, add the drained beans and chopped ham to the pot. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the beans and ham to heat through. Taste the soup and add salt if necessary.

If you notice that the broth has reduced too much during cooking, feel free to add 1-2 cups of water to bring the soup back to the desired consistency.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Once everything is combined and the flavors have melded together, allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly heated. The ham bone has already added plenty of flavor, but a final seasoning adjustment will ensure your soup tastes just right.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy this soup as is, or pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Why White Bean and Potato Soup is a Perfect Comfort Food

Hearty and Filling

This soup is both hearty and filling, making it perfect for colder months or when you need a satisfying meal. The potatoes provide a comforting, starchy base, while the beans offer creaminess and protein. The combination of vegetables, ham, and seasonings creates a robust, flavorful soup that will keep you full and satisfied.

A Great Way to Use Leftovers

This soup is also a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, especially after a holiday meal. The ham bone adds a ton of flavor to the broth, and the extra chopped ham gives the soup its hearty, meaty texture. This makes it a budget-friendly recipe that minimizes waste while creating a rich, delicious dish.

Easy to Customize

While this recipe calls for specific ingredients like celery, carrots, and ham, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. You can add other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or leeks, or swap out the beans for your favorite variety. If you prefer a different protein, you could even use turkey or chicken instead of ham.

Great for Meal Prep

This White Bean and Potato Soup is a perfect recipe for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for several days and can easily be reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. It also freezes well, so you can prepare a big batch and store it for later use.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Satisfying Soup

White Bean and Potato Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year but especially wonderful during the cooler months. The combination of ham, beans, potatoes, and vegetables creates a rich, satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re using leftovers or making it from scratch, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Give this simple and hearty recipe a try next time you need a meal that’s both filling and delicious. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.