Savory Slow Cooker Ham & Northern Bean Delight
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of this Savory Slow Cooker Ham & Northern Bean Delight. Perfectly crafted for cold nights or anytime you crave a hearty soup, this dish combines tender great northern beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. With a medley of spices and a tip to add salt just at the end to keep the beans supple, you'll savor every spoonful. Customize it further by adding sautéed garlic, celery, or a splash of cream for a delightful twist. This versatile recipe is both nourishing and satisfying, making it a go-to for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried great northern beans
1 lb (soaked and rinsed)
carrots
3/4 cup (chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
6 cups (or substitute with 2 cups of pan drippings and 4 cups of chicken broth)
cooked ham
2 cups (diced or shredded)
ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
bay leaf
1 (added whole)
salt
to taste (added at the end)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and soaking the dried great northern beans in water overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again, looking for any foreign objects.
2
In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, add the prepared beans.
3
Next, incorporate the chopped carrots and onions, spreading them evenly over the beans.
4
Pour in the chicken broth (or your chosen combination of pan drippings and chicken broth) gently over the beans and vegetables, ensuring everything is incorporated well.
5
Add the diced or shredded cooked ham into the mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
6
Sprinkle in the ground thyme and black pepper, adjusting to your taste. Stir again to mix the seasonings throughout the soup.
7
Introduce the bay leaf, pushing it gently under the surface of the broth.
8
Set the slow cooker to high for 1 hour to kickstart the cooking process, and then reduce to low for 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible, to enhance the flavors.
9
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard.
10
Before serving, add salt to taste, either directly to the pot or per individual bowl.
11
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a drop of Dijon mustard or a swirl of cream to your bowl before enjoying.
12
If the soup is thinner than desired, remove the lid and let it simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Ham & Northern Bean Delight?
It is a hearty, comforting soup made with tender dried great northern beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a slow cooker.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 pound of dried great northern beans.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse and soak the dried great northern beans in water overnight to ensure proper texture and cooking.
How should I prepare the beans after soaking?
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again and check for any foreign objects before adding them to the slow cooker.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped carrots and 1/2 cup of chopped onions.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding sautéed garlic or celery for an extra layer of flavor.
What type of broth is used as the base?
The recipe uses 6 cups of chicken broth, though you can use a combination of pan drippings and broth for more depth.
Can I use pan drippings in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of the chicken broth with 2 cups of pan drippings for a richer flavor profile.
What kind of ham should I use?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cooked ham, which can be either diced or shredded.
When should I add the salt?
Salt should be added to taste only at the very end of the cooking process to ensure the beans remain supple and tender.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The seasonings include ground thyme, ground black pepper, and one whole bay leaf.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to high for 1 hour to start, then reduce to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Do I need to stir the soup during cooking?
It is recommended to stir the soup occasionally if possible to help enhance and meld the flavors.
What do I do with the bay leaf?
Once the cooking is complete, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
How can I thicken the soup if it is too thin?
If the soup is thinner than desired, remove the lid and let it simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, you can add a swirl of cream to your bowl before enjoying it for a richer, creamier texture.
What is a unique flavor tip for serving?
Consider adding a drop of Dijon mustard to your individual bowl for a delightful and savory twist.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 5- or 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this amount of ingredients.
Can I adjust the amount of thyme used?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme or more depending on your personal taste preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Absolutely, this soup is very satisfying and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping for the week.
Can I use shredded ham instead of diced?
Yes, both diced and shredded cooked ham work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While chicken broth is recommended, you can use vegetable broth or a bouillon and water mixture as an alternative.
What is the primary benefit of slow cooking this dish?
Slow cooking allows the aromatic vegetables and ham to thoroughly infuse the beans with flavor while making them perfectly tender.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as being crafted for cold nights when you crave a hearty, warm soup.
At what temperature do I start the slow cooker?
The recipe suggests starting on the High setting for the first hour to kickstart the cooking process.
How do I ensure the beans don't get tough?
The most important tip is to wait until the beans are fully cooked before adding salt, as adding salt too early can make dried beans tough.
How many cups of carrots are needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of chopped carrots for this recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of ground thyme?
Yes, though the recipe calls for ground thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme, noting that you may need a larger quantity for the same flavor impact.
What is the serving suggestion for the salt?
You can add salt to taste either directly to the pot at the end or to each individual bowl before serving.
Does the order of adding ingredients matter?
The recipe suggests a specific order: beans first, then vegetables, then liquid, ham, and finally the seasonings to ensure even cooking.