Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup
Introduction
Crockpot ham and bean soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is made with tender ham and white beans, cooked slowly in a crockpot to develop rich flavors. This soup is not only easy to prepare, but it also fills your home with a comforting aroma while it simmers. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound dried white beans
– 1 pound ham, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the dried white beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or you can use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before adding them to the crockpot.
3. In the crockpot, combine the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, water, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The beans should be tender and the flavors well developed.
5. Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, partially mash the soup to thicken it slightly. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and puree it before returning it to the crockpot.
7. Serve the crockpot ham and bean soup hot, garnished with some fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad.
Cooking Time and Yield
The crockpot ham and bean soup takes approximately 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high to cook. This recipe yields 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this delicious soup!