Recipe Video - OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

This hearty, richly flavorful soup comes together in minutes and cooks while you're away having fun. Look for the meatiest ham hock you can find. Any small white bean, such as baby limas or cannellini, can stand in for the Great Northern or navy beans here. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Tina Ujlaki.

16 Ingredients

EASY

Recipe

Slow Cooker Smoky Ham and White Bean Soup

OnlineCook

Ingredients

Servings

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Trim the roots and dark green ends from the leeks. Split leeks lengthwise, then rinse in a bowl of water (or under the faucet) to release any dirt. Cut the leeks, carrots, and celery into 1/2-inch dice. Mince the garlic.

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the leeks, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Rinse the beans in a fine strainer, and pick through to remove any stones. Add beans to a 6 to 8 qt. slow cooker along with the vegetables, bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken broth, water, and ham hock. Stir to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high until beans are tender, and ham falls from the bone when tested with a fork, 7-8 hours.

Remove the ham hock and transfer to a cutting board. Discard any bones, fat, skin, and gristle. Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to the soup.

Chop the parsley. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if desired. Discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls, top with parsley, and serve.

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Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Bean Prep Perfection 💧
Soak dried Great Northern beans overnight and rinse thoroughly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility in the slow cooker.
Ham Hock Selection 🍖
Choose a meaty, bone-in ham hock with visible marbling for maximum flavor and tender meat that will easily fall off the bone during slow cooking.
Layered Aromatics Technique 🧅
Sauté leeks, celery, and carrots in olive oil before adding to the slow cooker to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile for the soup.
Herb Infusion Trick 🌿
Tie fresh thyme leaves and bay leaf in a small cheesecloth bundle for easy removal and maximum flavor extraction during slow cooking.
Fat Skimming Secret 🥄
Let the soup cool slightly after cooking and skim off any excess fat from the surface for a cleaner, more refined texture and presentation.