?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow is the ultimate comfort meal for chilly days. This hearty soup brings together tender beans and savory ham, creating a dish that’s not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. As it simmers in your slow cooker, the rich aromas fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is a perfect choice that embodies the essence of a slow, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
This dish is a true delight for several reasons. First, it embodies the gradual nature of slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Second, it’s a leisurely meal that doesn’t require constant attention, making it perfect for a busy lifestyle. The soup is also packed with protein, thanks to the ham and beans, which makes it a heartier option. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. The slow cooking methods ensure that the ingredients retain their nutrients while developing deep flavors. Finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham, minimizing waste and maximizing taste!
Ingredients for ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
Gather these items:
- 1 lb (450g) dried white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini), soaked overnight and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced, about 8 oz / 225g)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt to taste
How to Make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prep the vegetables.
- Step 2: Dice onion, carrots, and celery.
- Step 3: Mince the garlic.
- Step 4: Sauté aromatics (optional but adds flavor).
- Step 5: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 6: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Step 7: Cook 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
- Step 8: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Step 9: Add soaked beans, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and chicken broth.
- Step 10: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beans are tender.
- Step 11: Stir in diced ham about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Step 12: Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Step 13: Remove bay leaf.
- Step 14: Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm.
- Step 15: Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Pro Tips for the Perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
Keep these in mind:
- This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
- This dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, enhancing your cooking experience.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vinegar before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your palate, especially the salt, as ham can be salty.
Best Ways to Serve ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Accompany it with a fresh salad for a light touch.
- Garnish with green onions or croutons for added texture.
How to Store and Reheat ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
To store, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For meal prep, you can freeze portions for later use. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow
What’s the secret to perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow?
The secret lies in the slow cooking methods that allow flavors to develop gradually. Using quality ingredients and seasoning thoughtfully can elevate this dish to new heights.
Can I make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors continue to improve when stored. Just reheat it before serving!
How do I avoid common mistakes with ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that the beans are soaked overnight to prevent them from being tough. Also, taste the soup before serving to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Variations of ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=slow You Can Try
Here are some variations you can experiment with:
- Replace ham with smoked turkey for a lighter option.
- Add different vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
- Incorporate spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more beans.
For more tips on slow cooking, check out this slow cooking guide. If you’re interested in learning about the health benefits of beans, visit this article. Lastly, for a delicious bread recipe to serve alongside, see this link.
Print
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup: A Gradual Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 440 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort meal for chilly days—hearty, flavorful, and effortlessly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) dried white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini), soaked overnight and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced, about 8 oz / 225g)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables.
- Dice onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics (optional but adds flavor).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cook 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add to slow cooker.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Add soaked beans, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and chicken broth.
- Cook.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beans are tender.
- Add ham.
- Stir in diced ham about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm.
- Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
- This dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ham and bean soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food