Ham and Bean Soup with Spinach

Warm, hearty, and perfect for any season, this Ham and Bean Soup with Spinach is a comforting classic packed with flavor and nutrition. Made with tender white beans, savory diced ham, fresh baby spinach, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots, this one-pot wonder comes together in just 50 minutes. Simmered to perfection with chicken broth, dried thyme, and a hint of black pepper, it's a satisfying and wholesome meal that's easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy option for meal prep, this soup is both filling and packed with protein and leafy greens. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Perfect for fans of healthy soups, easy dinner recipes, and one-pot meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 15-ounce cans canned white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 0 salt (optional, to taste)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown and heat through.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the drained and rinsed white beans.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Step 9

Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and add salt if needed based on the saltiness of the ham and broth.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3250.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1953.9

Total Fat 59.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 10867.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.6g	0%
Total Sugars 27.1g
Protein 176.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 754.0mg	0%
Iron 28.2mg	0%
Potassium 6549.0mg	0%

*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: 27.5%

Protein: 36.0%

Carbs: 36.5%