Warm your soul and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of "Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup"! This hearty American classic is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl that brings family and friends together. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously satisfying dish that simmers to perfection while you go about your day. Imagine coming home to a rich, flavorful soup that’s ready to serve after just a few minutes of prep! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy a wholesome dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water, allowing them to soak overnight (or at least 8 hours).
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove any excess starch.
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- If using a ham bone, remove any excess meat and chop it into small pieces. If using pre-diced ham, ensure it's cut into bite-sized portions.
- Place the soaked beans, diced ham (or ham bone), chopped onion, carrots, and celery into the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly covered by liquid.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, or until beans are tender and meat is falling apart.
- Occasionally stir the soup during cooking and check liquid levels, adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove any large ham bone pieces if used.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Soak the Beans: For the best texture, soak your dried navy beans overnight. This not only helps them cook evenly but also reduces cooking time and enhances flavor.
- Chop Evenly: When preparing your vegetables, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate, resulting in a deliciously balanced soup.
- Add Flavor: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional herbs and spices! A bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika can add a delightful twist to your soup.
- Check Liquid Levels: During cooking, keep an eye on the liquid. If it starts to look too thick, add a little more chicken broth to maintain that perfect soup consistency.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh burst of flavor when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 272kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
