ham and white beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
ham and white beans recipe
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The Best ham and white beans recipe

I’ve been making this ham and white beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic spices is just right.

My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice. As for me, I love how easy it is to make and how well it freezes for later. In fact, I often make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for the week ahead.

The original recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother in Italy. She would often serve it with some garlic bread and a side salad for a delicious, satisfying meal. I’ve made some tweaks over the years to suit my family’s tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same.

The result is a dish that’s both familiar and comforting, yet still manages to surprise me with its depth of flavor. My husband loves how easy it is to cook, too – just sauté some onions and garlic, add in the beans and ham, and let it simmer until everything is nice and tender. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether we’re eating at home or taking leftovers to work the next day.

And as an added bonus, it’s incredibly healthy – packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good stuff that keeps us going all day long.

Ham and White Beans

Ham and White Beans

4.9 from 1410 votes

A hearty and comforting dish of tender white beans simmered with savory ham. This simple one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and packed with protein and flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), soaked overnight and drained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water

For the Ham and Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 pound cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the cubed ham and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, to lightly brown the ham.
5Pour in the drained soaked white beans, chicken broth, and water.
6Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
7Remove the bay leaf and discard.
8Season the beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9Ladle the ham and white beans into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra brightness and heat.

Watch Video Of How Ham and White Beans Works

This ham and white beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether we’re eating at home or taking leftovers to work the next day.

It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it easy to enjoy whenever we want.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it over rice or with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’ll fill everyone up.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and White Beans

Q1: What type of ham should I use in this recipe?

I like to use a good-quality smoked ham or prosciutto for this recipe – the smoky flavor adds depth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Q2: Can I substitute other types of beans for cannellini?

Cannellini are my go-to choice for this recipe because of their creamy texture and mild flavor; however, you can also use other types of white beans like navy or Great Northern if you prefer.

Q3: How do I prevent the beans from becoming mushy?

The key is to cook them low and slow – simmer them in liquid until they’re tender but not mushy.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe freezes beautifully – just portion out individual servings before freezing so you can easily reheat as needed.

Q5: Do you have any suggestions for side dishes that pair well with this recipe?

I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice – both options complement the flavors of the dish nicely without overpowering them.

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