This smoky white bean soup is hearty and delicious, with lots of collagen and flavor from the smoked pork bones. It is equally tasty made with smoked or baked ham, so it’s perfect for using up leftover ham bones and chopped ham. High in fiber and protein, but coming in at only 252 calories, it’s a healthy soup that is also budget friendly!
I’ve had this smoky white bean soup recipe ready to post for a couple of months now, but I missed the winter window. We got 5 inches of snow here yesterday in NY (On April 12th!!!) though, so I guess soup season has been extended.
Also, spring ham season is here, and this delicious bean soup is the perfect way to use up any ham leftovers.
I hesitated to post this smoky white bean and ham soup because it’s not keto, or even low carb (25g net) but it IS gluten free, high fiber, and with 19g protein for a 1 1/2 cup serving – it’s in the higher protein category for a soup.
If you’re looking for a keto friendly soup with the same cozy vibe and smoky ham flavor profile, try this wildly popular Keto Cauliflower and Ham Soup!
As if you needed more reasons to give this recipe a try, since we’re all feeling the pinch of groceries being ridiculously high, this smoky white bean soup is also very economical at about $1.50 per serving.
All of that aside, this smoky white bean soup is one of the most delicious soups I’ve made in a long time. If you can get the smoked pork neck bones (I bought these at Walmart) then I highly recommend it, because the flavor and collagen they add is incredible.
A ham bone or even some chopped leftover ham will also be delicious, but you might want to bump up the smoky flavor with a teaspoon of liquid smoke to get that extra wow factor.
The kale adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory/salty flavors in this white bean soup perfectly.
Lastly, this isn’t a creamy soup, but the broth is rich and velvety from the fiber in the beans, and the collagen in the ham, making it very comforting and satisfying. This smoky white bean soup is also lower in calories than a cream-based bean soup, and dairy free for those that aren’t on good terms with lactose or casein.
Hopefully you are convinced to try it – let us know how it goes in the comments!
Smoky White Bean Soup with Ham
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This smoky white bean soup is hearty and delicious, with lots of collagen and flavor from the smoked pork bones.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb of smoked pork neck bones OR 2 cups leftover chopped smoked ham
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups chopped kale, large stem pieces removed
- 4 (15 oz) cans Great Northern Beans, drained but not rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- grated parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Add the pork necks or ham bone or ham, and cook for 2 – 3 minutes per side, or until browned and fragrant.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until translucent.
- Add the chicken stock and water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the kale, cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the beans to the pot and stir well.
- Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Add salt, red pepper flakes, thyme, and apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes.
- (Omit this step if using chopped ham) Remove the pork bones from the pot and take off any meat. Chop the meat into small pieces and add back to the soup.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot, with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 252
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 19g
