Hearty Navy Bean & Ham Chowder
This Hearty Navy Bean & Ham Chowder is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender navy beans, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables in a thick and satisfying broth. Perfect for chilly days, this dish is not only easy to prepare in a slow cooker but also bursts with flavor from fresh herbs and garlic. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal that warms your heart and soul. Ideal for family gatherings, this recipe serves many and is perfect for leftovers.
8
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
1 lb (sort, wash, and soak overnight)
smoked ham hock
1 large (added whole to the soup)
chopped ham
1 cup (diced or chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
carrots
3 (chopped)
celery stalks
3 (thinly sliced)
onion
1 large (chopped)
potatoes
3 large (peeled and cubed)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped or whole sprigs)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
water
5 cups (to cover ingredients)
Instructions
1
Sort and wash the dried navy beans thoroughly before soaking them overnight in cold water. This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2
In the morning, drain and rinse the soaked beans and place them into your crock pot.
3
Add the smoked ham hock, chopped ham, minced garlic, chopped carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, and cubed potatoes to the pot.
4
Sprinkle in the fresh thyme, sea salt, and pepper, and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
5
Pour in enough water to cover the contents, typically up to the top of the pot, but be cautious not to go over the max line.
6
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on high for 3 hours. After that, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 6 hours or more for the flavors to meld.
7
Once cooking is finished, carefully remove the ham hock and let it cool slightly. Cut off any meat, discarding the fat, and return the meat to the soup.
8
Stir the soup well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Navy Bean & Ham Chowder?
It is a comfort food dish combining tender navy beans, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables in a thick and satisfying broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the chowder?
The main ingredients include dried navy beans, smoked ham hock, chopped ham, garlic, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and fresh thyme.
How should I prepare the navy beans?
You should sort and wash the dried navy beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in cold water to soften them.
What is the purpose of soaking the beans overnight?
Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce the overall cooking time.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, this chowder is designed to be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker.
How long does the chowder cook on high?
The recipe calls for cooking on high for 3 hours before reducing the heat.
How long does the chowder cook on low?
After the initial high heat phase, it cooks on low for an additional 6 hours or more.
What should I do with the ham hock after cooking?
Carefully remove the ham hock, let it cool, cut off the meat, discard the fat, and return the meat to the soup.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content of this chowder?
There is 3.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3 large peeled and cubed potatoes.
What kind of ham is used in addition to the ham hock?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped ham.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh thyme is used to season the chowder.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much water is required for the broth?
The recipe lists 5 cups of water, or enough to cover the contents of the pot.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using sea salt.
What kind of onion should I use?
One large chopped onion is required for the recipe.
How should the carrots and celery be prepared?
The carrots should be chopped and the celery stalks should be thinly sliced.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, this recipe is noted as being perfect for leftovers.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is ideal for family gatherings as it serves many people.
What is a good side dish for this chowder?
It is best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.
What is the texture of the chowder?
The chowder is described as thick, hearty, and satisfying.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
Letting the soup cook on low for at least 6 hours allows the flavors to meld together.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should stir the soup well, taste it, and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare in a slow cooker.
What tags describe this dish?
Tags include soup, chowder, ham, navy beans, slow cooker, comfort food, hearty, and vegetables.
What precautions should be taken when adding water to the crock pot?
Be cautious not to fill the water over the max line of your crock pot.