Ham and White Bean Soup with Cheese Toasts

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
This hearty ham and white bean soup delivers slow-simmered flavor in under 40 minutes. Carrots, onion and cauliflower create a savory base, while rosemary and smoked paprika add woodsy notes and a gentle smokiness that make the broth taste longer-cooked than it is. Creamy navy beans give the soup body and comfort without weighing it down. Served with crusty cheddar toasts on the side, it’s a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the onion, carrots and cauliflower and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is just softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the rosemary and smoked paprika, then add the chicken broth, beans, 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a brisk simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Mash the solids in the pot a few times with a potato masher to thicken the soup slightly; season to taste. Return to a simmer for a minute to bring everything together.
  2. Meanwhile, toast the bread on a baking sheet in the oven until just crisp, flipping once, 6 to 7 minutes. Lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle with the cheese. Switch the oven to broil and broil until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with the soup.