Hearty White Bean and Spicy Ham Soup - A Comforting Meal for Any Day ( white bean soup, spicy ham soup, and slow cooker soup recipe )
When the weather cools down, there’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of hearty soup. This white bean and spicy ham soup is loaded with creamy beans and aromatic rosemary, making it the perfect stand-alone meal, especially when paired with crusty bread. The spicy Italian ham adds a kick of flavor, while the beans become tender and creamy as they simmer. Best of all, this soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is a full-flavored, warming dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of creamy white beans and spicy ham creates a delicious balance, while the rosemary and garlic add depth and aroma. If you’re in a rush, canned white beans work wonderfully, but for a more traditional approach, using dried beans will reward you with even more flavor. Just remember to soak them overnight or extend the cooking time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ounces spicy Italian ham, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes, drained
- 1 14-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Prep Your Slow Cooker: As with any slow cooker recipe, start by preparing the pot. Coat the inside with cooking spray, brush it with oil, or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Sauté the Vegetables and Ham: In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and chopped ham. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the ham is crisp, about 5 minutes. This step ensures the ham’s flavors meld with the vegetables.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the drained crushed tomatoes, combining them well with the sautéed ingredients.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the mixture into your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed white beans and chicken broth.
Slow Cook for Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beans to become creamy and the flavors to fully develop.
Season and Serve: Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread or alongside a sandwich for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
Using Dried Beans: If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Alternatively, you can cook the soup for several more hours to ensure the beans become tender.
Add More Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking.
Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.