Full-Flexibility Ham and Bean Soup

4. 3 stalks of chopped celery: The crisp texture and fresh, earthy taste of the celery provide a nice touch to the soup. It's crucial for making a broth with just the right amount of flavor.

Advice: Save the celery leaves for a garnish; they're full of flavor and may be diced finely.

5. Minced garlic (3 cloves): The bold taste of the garlic pairs well with the savory ham and earthy beans.

Trick: Before adding the garlic to the saucepan, sauté it until it becomes aromatic. Doing so will release the garlic's natural oils and bring forth its full taste.

6. Two 15-ounce cans of Great Northern Beans, washed and drained:

The heart of the soup lies in these beans; they are creamy and soft, and they soak up all the flavorful broth ingredients. If you like, you may use cannellini or navy beans instead of white beans.

Advice: Use dry beans for more taste. To give the soup an extra handmade, hearty taste, soak them overnight and then add them to the pot.

7. One bay leaf: Bay leaves are a must-have for a lot of hearty stews and soups. Their delicate sharpness complements the veggies' natural sweetness and deepens the broth.

Be sure to take the bay leaf out of the dish before serving. It's not edible and, if left unchecked, may be really harsh.

8. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: Thyme is a multipurpose herb that imparts a subtle earthiness, mintiness, and warmth to the soup. Beans and ham make a timeless combination.

A little-known secret: for an extra fragrant taste, use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme. For every teaspoon of dried thyme, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.

To counteract the heavy flavors of the beans and ham, try adding a teaspoon of dried parsley.

A helpful hint: keep the dried parsley for later use in the kitchen and use the fresh parsley as a garnish.

Soup Base (6 cups)—Chicken or vegetable broth is the flavor-infusing base of this soup. To manage the soup's saltiness, use low-sodium broth.

The flavor will be much different if you create your own broth instead of buying it from the store. Homemade broth has a more nuanced and fresh flavor.

Clear and Simple Recipe Directions

1. Get Everything Ready

You may save time and make sure everything cooks smoothly if you prep your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop the veggies, mince the garlic, and dice the ham. Particularly when sautéing many ingredients at once, it aids in keeping the cooking process coordinated.

A sharp knife is ideal for chopping veggies. The preparation job will be simpler and more accurate with a sharper blade.

2. Saute the Zucchini and Onions

One tablespoon of olive oil may be heated in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, carrots, celery, and onions that have been chopped. Cook until tender and aromatic, about 7 to 10 minutes. The most delightful aroma will waft through your kitchen at this point!

Reminder: Keep the pan from becoming too full. To make sure the veggies cook evenly, sauté them in batches if needed.

The secret ingredient is a dash of white wine added after the veggies have been sautéed for an even richer taste. Allow it to decrease in order to remove the alcohol