Hearty White Bean and Ham Soup

Ingredients:

2 cups dried white beans (or 3 cups canned, rinsed)

200g diced ham

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cups chicken broth

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans (if using dried):

Soak dried beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse before use
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2. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil
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Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes
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3. Combine Ingredients:

Add ham, beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours (if using dried beans) or 30 minutes (if using canned beans).

4. Season:

Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste
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5. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with a slice of bread
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