Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Pinch of dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the diced ham and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Remove the bay leaf. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans directly in the pot.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme to taste.
8. Serve warm with cornbread or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with cornbread, biscuits, or a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.