Ham, Sweet Potato and White Bean Soup with Bacon {Slow Cooker}
User Reviews
4.5
Ham, Sweet Potato and White Bean Soup with Bacon {Slow Cooker}
Description
The Ham, Sweet Potato and White Bean Soup with Bacon is a slow-cooked dish featuring diced ham, peeled and diced sweet potatoes, and dry white beans simmered together with onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in chicken broth. Cooking the dry beans in the slow cooker allows them to soften, while blending part of the soup contributes to a creamy, thick consistency without losing the texture of larger ham and bean pieces. The soup finishes with crisped bacon sprinkled on top, adding crunch and smoky depth.
This soup balances earthy sweetness from the tender sweet potatoes with the savory saltiness of the ham and bacon. The paprika lends a subtle warmth that complements the overall flavor. Its creamy but chunky texture makes it satisfying for cooler days or as a filling meal starter.
To enhance the smoky profile, smoked paprika can be substituted. The soup can be reheated and freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep or leftovers. Soaking the dry beans overnight is optional but helpful in areas with high altitude to ensure they cook thoroughly.
Ingredients
- ½ cup onion diced, yellow or white
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 2 cups ham cooked, diced, see note
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
- 1 pound White beans like Great Northern, rinsed (see note, dry
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika see note
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 4-6 lices Bacon diced, or turkey bacon
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the bacon in a 5-quart slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours (see the note about presoaking the dry beans).
- Carefully puree 1/2 to 3/4 of the soup in a blender (hot soups like to expand in the blender so only fill the blender halfway and process in batches, if needed). I don't love the idea of pureeing ham, call me crazy, so I tried my best to scoop out ladles of soup to blend that were free of ham. Alternately, you could use an immersion blender and get in there with it and go to town (leaving the soup with as much texture as you desire).
- Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Cook the bacon in a hot skillet until crisp; drain on paper towels. Serve the soup with crumbled bacon on top.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to intensify the smoky flavor.
- Soak dry beans overnight if concerned about cooking thoroughly, especially at high altitudes.
- Purchase thick-sliced ham from your deli for chunkier pieces in the soup.
- This soup freezes well after cooking and cooling for future meals.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 359kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 811mg | 34% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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