When the weather turns chilly and comfort food is on your mind, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of homemade soup to warm you up from the inside out. One such satisfying dish is Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. This recipe combines the creamy richness of potatoes with the savory flavor of ham, and the addition of fresh vegetables makes it a well-rounded meal. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy this comforting dish with minimal effort. Simply set it up, let it cook, and come home to a pot of delicious, ready-to-eat soup.
The Beauty of Slow Cooking
Slow cookers are a staple in many kitchens for good reason. They offer a hands-off approach to cooking, allowing you to prepare meals ahead of time and let them simmer to perfection while you go about your day. Slow cooking is especially beneficial for soups, as it allows the flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a deeply flavorful and cohesive dish. This method is also excellent for tenderizing meats and ensuring that vegetables are cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
8 cups russet potatoes , diced
1 yellow onion , diced
2 large carrots , peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
16 ounce Cubed Ham 2 packages of packages Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (you can also use milk – I used whole milk)
½ cup sour cream
Cooking Instructions
Preparation: Start by dicing the potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery. This prep work ensures that everything is ready to go into the slow cooker.
Combining Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Cooking: Set your slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mashing Potatoes: Once the cooking time is up, use a potato masher to mash about a third of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This step helps to thicken the soup naturally.
Finishing Touches: Add the flour, heavy cream (or whole milk), and sour cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Serving: Once the soup is ready, give it a final stir and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some crusty bread on the side.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Variations
Leeks: Replace the yellow onion with leeks for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Corn: Add a cup of frozen or canned corn for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale leaves at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Protein Substitutions
Bacon: Use cooked, crumbled bacon instead of ham for a different smoky flavor.
Sausage: Substitute with cooked and sliced sausage links for a heartier, spicier version.
Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Dairy Alternatives
Half-and-Half or Light Cream: Use these instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
Non-Dairy Milk: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk to make the soup dairy-free. Be mindful that this will change the flavor slightly.
Flavor Enhancements
Herbs: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during cooking for additional depth of flavor.
Cheese: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a subtle, warming undertone.
Tips for Success
- Consistent Sizing: Make sure to dice the potatoes and other vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Mashing: When mashing the potatoes, be cautious not to over-mash as this can result in a gluey texture. Aim for a mix of mashed and chunky potatoes.
- Cream Addition: To avoid curdling, add the cream slowly and ensure the soup is not boiling when you add it.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course on a cold evening or as a starter for a family gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows for numerous variations and substitutions, making it adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. The slow cooker method not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors, making this soup a convenient and delicious option for any meal. Enjoy the hearty, creamy goodness of this homemade soup and savor the comfort it brings.
Â
Â
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 8 cups russet potatoes diced (Provides the hearty base of the soup.)
- 1 yellow onion diced (Adds flavor and depth to the soup.)
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped (Contributes sweetness and color.)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery Adds a subtle flavor and crunch.
- 16 oz cubed ham 2 packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham, Offers a savory, meaty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt Seasons the soup.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper Adds a mild heat.
- 1/4 cup flour Helps thicken the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth Provides the liquid base and enhances the flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream -or whole milk- Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream Contributes tanginess and a creamy texture.
Instructions
- Preparation: Dice the potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery. This prep work ensures everything is ready to go into the slow cooker.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cooking: Set your slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Mashing Potatoes: Once the cooking time is up, use a potato masher to mash about a third of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This step helps to thicken the soup naturally.
- Finishing Touches: Add the flour, heavy cream (or whole milk), and sour cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Serving: Once the soup is ready, give it a final stir and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some crusty bread on the side.
