Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup
with baguette
Let this comforting, classic soup simmer in the slow-cooker to build flavor.
Smarts #1: Any variety of chopped ham works well in this soup, but a version that is smoked or cured will add the most flavor (and will add enough salt that you may not need any additional seasoning). Including a piece of ham bone adds even more rich flavor. Your grocery store's butcher may be able to point you in the direction of a cut that will work best.
Smarts #2: This recipe could be made in the Instant Pot. For tips, join the Cook Smarts Instant Pot Facebook Group.
Ingredients
- Carrots - 8 oz, chopped
- Celery - 2 stalks, sliced
- Onions, medium - 1, chopped
- Kale, curly leaf - 4 leaves, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
- Ham steak or smoked ham - 1 1/4 lbs, chopped (bone-in if possible; if these are not available, use thick-sliced deli ham)
- Stock, any type - 6 cups
- Bay leaves - 2
- Beans, pinto, navy, or cannellini (14 oz / 397 g) - 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Baguette, small - 1
- Vinegar, apple cider - 2 tsp
- Hot sauce of choice (opt) - 1 tsp
Nutrition Facts
Prep
- Carrots / Celery / Onions / Kale / Ham - Prep as directed and combine. If using a type of ham that comes with the bone in, reserve the bone and add it to the soup (it will add a lot of flavor). (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Slow cook soup - Combine carrots, celery, onions, kale, ham (including bone), stock, bay leaves, and beans in the bowl of a slow-cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. (Can be done 1 day ahead.)
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Make
- If you would like to serve the baguette warm, heat the oven to 350F / 177C. Place baguette on a sheet pan and bake just until crisp on the outside and warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes.
- When soup is finished cooking, remove and discard bay leaves. If you included the ham bone in the soup, remove and discard bone.
- Stir in vinegar and hot sauce (if using). Taste soup and season with some salt and pepper, if needed.
- Slice or tear baguette into pieces. Serve soup with baguette on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Reviews
Ratings
38 reviews
This wasn't bad and we ate it. Just not a favorite. There seemed to be an off taste that I couldn't figure out. Maybe the bay leaves?
0 HelpfulI slow-cooked for 6.5 hours but the onions are not cooked all the way through. Maybe using only 1/2 onion, sautéed beforehand would help, because all I taste are onions.
0 HelpfulI agree with other reviews that said it lacked some heartiness when using ham steak (as opposed to bone-in ham). I let my husband season it, and I think he may have overdone it on the salt and pepper. Otherwise, I thought this was an excellent soup, super easy to prepare, and reheated leftovers were equally good as it the day of cooking.
0 Helpful