Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with smoky ham, tender beans, and flavorful broth, perfect for cozy dinners on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Leftover ham or a ham bone (or store-bought ham steak)
- Dried beans (Great Northern or Navy beans, or mixed beans)
- Carrots, sliced thin
- Celery, sliced
- Yellow or white onion, diced finely
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Splash of hot sauce
Instructions
- If using dried beans, rinse and soak them overnight in water. Drain before using.
- Place ham, soaked beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove the ham bone (if using) and shred any remaining meat into the soup. Stir everything together.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
[‘Soak dried beans overnight for faster cooking and better texture.’, ‘Using a ham bone adds extra flavor to the broth.’, ‘Cooking on low heat for a longer time enhances the flavors.’, ‘This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.’, ‘Customize the veggies to your liking, such as swapping celery or carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 20
Keywords: Ham and Bean Soup, Crockpot Soup, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Recipe, Hearty Soup, Cozy Dinner