A comforting and flavorful soup featuring white beans and smoked ham, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the smoked ham.
Cooking the ham first releases its smoky flavor into the pot, enhancing the soup's base.
Add the chopped celery, carrot, onion, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans. Stir to combine.
Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Remove half of the soup and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamy texture without adding cream.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Taste the soup before seasoning to avoid over-salting.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Adding fresh green onions provides a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.
