Low Sodium White Bean and Ham Soup

Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Low Sodium White Bean and Ham Soup, a wholesome and hearty dish that's big on flavor but gentle on sodium. This recipe features tender dried white beans, simmered to perfection with cubes of low-sodium ham, aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, and a fragrant blend of bay leaf and fresh thyme. The addition of unsalted tomato paste and a hint of lemon juice adds depth and brightness, while the use of low-sodium chicken broth keeps it heart-healthy. Perfect for meal prepping or a simple family dinner, this soup comes together in just a few steps and is ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying yet low-sodium option. Serve it with crusty whole-grain bread or a crisp side salad to complete this delicious, nutrient-packed meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried white beans (e.g., cannellini or Great Northern)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 8 ounces Low-sodium ham steak, diced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, chopped
• 2 medium Celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried white beans under cool water and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water by 2 inches, and soak overnight. (Alternatively, use the quick soak method: boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let sit covered for 1 hour.) Drain and rinse the beans before using.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced low-sodium ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the ham and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in flavor.

Step 5

Return the ham to the pot, then add the soaked and drained white beans, low-sodium chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface as it cooks.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional black pepper, if needed. For a touch of brightness, stir in the lemon juice just before serving.

Step 8

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with your choice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1786.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1328.5

Total Fat 29.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 133.4mg	0%
Sodium 1751.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.6g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 110.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 513.2mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 5394.7mg	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: 19.2%

Protein: 32.6%

Carbs: 48.1%