"Warm up with this hearty ham and chickpea slow cooker soup! Easy, flavorful, and packed with protein—perfect for cozy dinners. #SoupRecipe #SlowCooker"
Here’s a list of ingredients for a **ham and chickpea slow cooker soup**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords for better visibility:
- **1 cup dried chickpeas** (or 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- **2 cups cooked ham** (diced, leftover ham works great)
- **1 medium onion** (chopped, for flavor base)
- **3 cloves garlic** (minced, for aromatic depth)
- **2 medium carrots** (peeled and diced, for sweetness and texture)
- **2 celery stalks** (chopped, for a savory crunch)
- **1 medium potato** (peeled and diced, for creaminess)
- **4 cups chicken broth** (low-sodium, for a flavorful base)
- **2 cups water** (to adjust consistency)
- **1 bay leaf** (for subtle herbal notes)
- **1 tsp dried thyme** (for earthy flavor)
- **1 tsp smoked paprika** (for a smoky kick)
- **1/2 tsp black pepper** (freshly ground, for seasoning)
- **1/2 tsp salt** (adjust to taste)
- **1 cup kale or spinach** (chopped, for added greens and nutrients)
- **1 tbsp olive oil** (for sautéing aromatics)
- **Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes** (for a hint of heat)
This **ham and chickpea slow cooker soup** is perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, or using up leftover ham. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, making it a hearty and healthy option for any season.
Advertisement
Steps
# How to Make Ham and Chickpea Slow Cooker Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for chilly days, this **ham and chickpea slow cooker soup** is a must-try. Packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors, this recipe is ideal for meal prep or family dinners. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious, **slow cooker ham soup** with chickpeas.
---
## Ingredients for Ham and Chickpea Soup
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (use leftover ham for extra flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
---
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. If you prefer a deeper flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes until softened. This step is optional but enhances the soup’s richness.
### Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the diced ham, chickpeas, sautéed (or raw) vegetables, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and broth. Stir well to combine.
### Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker to **low heat** and cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on **high heat** for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
### Step 4: Season and Adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
### Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
---
## Tips for the Best Ham and Chickpea Soup
- **Use leftover ham**: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham.
- **Add greens**: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- **Make it creamy**: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
---
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This **ham and chickpea slow cooker soup** is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s a **high-protein, high-fiber** dish that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The smoky flavor of the ham pairs perfectly with the earthy chickpeas, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
---
## SEO Keywords for Ham and Chickpea Soup
- Ham and chickpea slow cooker soup
- Slow cooker ham soup
- Easy ham and chickpea recipe
- Hearty ham soup with chickpeas
- Leftover ham soup recipe
- High-protein slow cooker soup
---
Try this **ham and chickpea slow cooker soup** today and enjoy a warm, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!