Warm up your soul with this hearty and comforting Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup. This dish is the epitome of slow-cooked perfection, where tender white beans mingle with smoky ham, creating a flavorful and satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly days. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a rich and savory broth that’s infused with the essence of ham and herbs. This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, packed with protein and fiber from the beans, making it a wholesome meal option. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to feed your family or a dish to impress guests at a casual gathering, this Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup is a surefire hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of easily accessible ingredients. With minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it, letting the crockpot work its magic while you go about your day. The combination of white beans, ham, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, along with aromatic herbs, creates a soup that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of tender beans and chunks of savory ham, making every bite a comforting experience. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. This soup also makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to deepen over time, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weeks.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried white beans (such as Great Northern or Navy beans), rinsed and picked over
- 1 lb ham steak or leftover ham, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse and pick over the dried white beans to remove any debris. Soak them overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 5 minutes, then letting them sit off the heat for 1 hour.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- In the crockpot, combine soaked or quick-soaked white beans, diced ham, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your hearty and warming Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup, perfect for chilly days!
