Ham Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 large carrot (peeled and diced)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups shredded cooked ham
• 1 1/2 quarts (1 1/2 litres) chicken stock or broth ((you can use beef))
• 2 bay leaves ((or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme))
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 (15 ounce) canned white beans (cannellini beans) -- no salt added, (rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• pinch of salt, (if needed)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot or saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook until onions are softened (5 minutes). Sauté the garlic until fragrant (30 seconds - 1 minute).

2. 2

   Add the ham and cook for a further 2 minutes, then pour in the stock. Add the bay leaves (or thyme) and parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to combine all of the flavours together.

3. 3

   Stir in beans and season with pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes, taste test and season with salt if needed.

4. 4

   Serve warm.