Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This recipe combines tender ham, creamy Great Northern beans, and a flavorful broth, all simmered slowly to develop rich flavors. It’s an excellent way to utilize a leftover ham bone and create a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 pound dried Great Northern beans, sorted and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 celery stalks, chopped (approximately ½ cup)
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 1 cup)
1 small yellow onion, chopped (approximately 1 cup)
1 large, meaty ham bone (approximately 4 pounds)

Directions

In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the chicken stock, Great Northern beans, thyme, black pepper, minced garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, chopped celery, carrots, and onion.
Place the ham bone in the center of the mixture.
Cover and cook on HIGH for at least 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Carefully remove the ham bone from the slow cooker and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone, discarding any gristle, fat, and the bone itself. Shred the ham and return it to the soup.
Stir the soup to combine and serve hot.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 11mg
Sodium: 746mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 12g

The Origin of Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is a traditional American dish with deep roots in home-style cooking. Many families have their own variations of this soup, passed down through generations. Its origins likely come from European cuisines where beans were a staple food due to their affordability and nutritional value. Ham, often considered a leftover from larger meals, was an ideal meat to pair with beans. This combination of beans and ham is perfect for creating a hearty, flavorful soup that warms you from the inside out.

The slow cooker, or crockpot, has become a popular tool for preparing this dish because it allows the flavors to meld together over time. As the soup simmers, the beans soften and absorb the rich flavors from the ham and seasonings, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. With the slow cooker, the dish practically cooks itself, freeing up your time to do other things while the soup is preparing itself.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ham and Bean Soup?

There are many reasons why the slow cooker is the best choice for making Ham and Bean Soup. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. You can throw all of your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning or before work and come home to a perfectly cooked, flavorful soup. The low-and-slow cooking method allows the ingredients to blend together beautifully, ensuring the beans are tender and the ham imparts a rich, smoky flavor into the broth.

Additionally, using a slow cooker makes the soup very hands-off. You don’t have to worry about constantly checking on it or stirring. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of meal. The slow cooker also helps to preserve nutrients in the beans and other vegetables, making the dish both tasty and healthy.

Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that it helps you save time and effort on meal prep. While other methods of cooking may require frequent attention, the slow cooker allows you to prepare a meal in advance, which can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days or frozen for future use. This means you can have a hearty, homemade soup on hand without needing to cook every time you’re hungry.

Health Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup is not only flavorful but also nutritious. Beans, especially Great Northern beans used in this recipe, are an excellent source of protein and fiber. These nutrients help with digestion and keep you feeling full for longer, making this soup a great choice for weight management. Beans are also low in fat and high in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and folate, which are crucial for maintaining overall health.

The ham in the soup adds a savory, smoky flavor and provides protein, but it also contributes to the dish’s sodium content. To reduce the sodium levels, you can opt for a lower-sodium ham or make sure to use low-sodium chicken stock. You can also adjust the amount of salt added to the soup, ensuring it fits your dietary needs.

In addition to protein and fiber, this soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables added, such as carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables provide vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. The combination of protein, fiber, and vitamins makes this soup a balanced and nutritious meal.

Versatility of the Recipe

One of the best things about Ham and Bean Soup is its versatility. You can customize the recipe based on your taste preferences or what ingredients you have in your pantry. For instance, if you don’t have Great Northern beans, you can substitute them with other types of beans, such as navy beans, pinto beans, or even black beans. Each type of bean will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well in this soup.

You can also experiment with the herbs and spices used to season the soup. While thyme, garlic, and bay leaves are traditional seasonings, feel free to add your own favorite herbs. Rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor and give the soup an extra kick. Some people also like to add a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to balance out the richness and add brightness to the dish.

For a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. This will create a creamy texture without needing to add any cream or milk. If you prefer a more chunky texture, simply skip this step and leave the soup as is.

Ham and Bean Soup as a Family Meal

This soup is not only delicious but also a great way to feed a crowd. It’s an economical meal that can stretch to serve several people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Ham and Bean Soup is especially popular during the colder months when people are looking for comforting, filling meals. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal, ensuring that no food goes to waste.

In addition to being cost-effective, this soup is easy to prepare in large batches. If you’re hosting a party or preparing food for a week’s worth of meals, simply double or triple the recipe. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal planning.

Serving Suggestions

Ham and Bean Soup is satisfying on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Serve the soup with some freshly baked bread, crackers, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A piece of cornbread or a warm slice of French baguette can also complement the rich, savory flavors of the soup.

For a light, refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness, consider serving a crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also add some shredded cheese on top of the soup for extra flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a timeless, hearty dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a way to use up leftover ham, this recipe offers both convenience and deliciousness. The slow cooking process melds the flavors of the ham, beans, and vegetables together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

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