Hearty Italian Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful Italian bean soup packed with vegetables, ham, and spinach, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, diced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 1 can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (16 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth (14.5 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch spinach, chopped ⓘ
- olive or vegetable oil for cooking
- basil and pepper (optional, not specified in ingredients but mentioned in instructions) ⓘ
Instructions
- Take approximately 1 1/2 cups of the white kidney beans and mash them until smooth in a medium bowl.
- In a 5-quart saucepan, cook the ham, celery, carrots, onion, zucchini, basil, and pepper in hot oil until the vegetables are tender and begin to brown, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped spinach, mashed white beans, and 2 cups of water, using a spoon to break up the tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the remaining beans and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier texture, try adding diced potatoes or other legumes like lentils. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or canned ham. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside Chicken Bracciole or any of your favorite Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Italian Bean Soup contains roughly 227 calories, with 10g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Hearty Italian Bean Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when ready to serve. Just keep in mind that the soup may thicken, so you might need to add a little water or broth when warming it up.
What can I use instead of white kidney beans?
If you can't find white kidney beans, great alternatives include cannellini beans or great northern beans. Both options maintain a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making them excellent substitutes in this soup. You could also experiment with chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, Hearty Italian Bean Soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).