Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ham Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, savory aromas and a pot of deliciousness that's been simmering all day. This American-style soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and dicing carrots, celery, and onion into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Place a large slow cooker on a clean, flat surface and add the diced ham to the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Layer the chopped onions, carrots, and celery on top of the ham, creating an even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour the vegetable broth carefully over the ingredients, ensuring all vegetables and ham are mostly submerged.
- Add black pepper and the bay leaf to the slow cooker, gently stirring to incorporate the seasonings throughout the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Allow the soup to cook slowly for 6 hours, which will help develop rich flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- After cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper or salt if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Dice your vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Start with ham at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add vegetables on top to create a perfect flavor foundation.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality vegetable broth for the most robust flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth for a slightly different taste profile.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Cooking on low heat for the full 6 hours allows flavors to meld and ingredients to become perfectly tender.
- Bay Leaf Magic: Don't skip the bay leaf - it adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Seasoning Tip: Wait until the end to adjust salt, as ham can be naturally salty.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- Garnish Options: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a dollop of sour cream can take this soup to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
