01 -
Grab a nice big pot, a Dutch oven if you've got one, and drizzle in a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them tender, not browned. This step is where the foundation of flavor for your White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham really starts, and oh, the smell is just heavenly!
02 -
Once those veggies are soft, push them to one side of the pot and add your turkey ham to the other. Let it get a little bit of color, about 3-4 minutes, stirring it occasionally. Then, toss in your minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until that garlic smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; I've done that before, and it makes the whole soup taste bitter, a real bummer!
03 -
Pour in your chicken broth and those lovely cannellini beans (undrained!). Give it all a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for all those flavors to meld together into a truly comforting White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham.
04 -
Here's a little trick for that creamy texture without adding actual cream! Take about a cup or two of the soup mixture out and give it a quick mash with a fork or potato masher. You can even use an immersion blender for a few pulses right in the pot. Return the mashed beans to the pot. This thickens the White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham beautifully and adds a lovely rustic feel, I promise!
05 -
Now for the fresh stuff! Stir in your fresh spinach. It'll look like a lot at first, but watch it wilt down in just a minute or two, practically melting into the White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham. This adds a nice vibrant touch and some extra goodness. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings – a little salt, a little pepper, maybe a pinch more Italian seasoning?
06 -
Ladle your warm, comforting White Bean Soup with Turkey Ham into bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. A drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top is also really nice, adding a touch of richness. Serve it up hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor! It should look rustic, smell amazing, and taste like a big, warm hug.