Name: Easy Ham & White Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika and Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked ham, diced; 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness); Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

Easy Ham & White Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika and Garlic is a hearty, nourishing one-pot meal featuring tender white beans, savory ham, aromatic garlic, and smoky paprika. This comforting soup is quick to prepare and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or using up leftover ham.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in diced ham and cook for another 2–3 minutes to brown slightly.
Add beans, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Lightly mash some beans in the pot for a creamier texture if desired.
Stir in lemon juice if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use leftover ham or a ham bone for extra flavor.
Add chopped kale or spinach near the end for extra greens.
Substitute with smoked turkey or sausage if preferred.
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months for easy future meals.
Blend partially for a creamier consistency without cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup, Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Simmering
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: ham and white bean soup, leftover ham soup, smoked paprika soup, easy bean soup, garlic ham soup, cozy winter soup, one pot ham soup, quick ham dinner