Comforting Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days - Picture Perfect Meals

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300 g) ham, diced
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crusty bread or crackers (optional)