Slow-Cooked Hearty Ham and Bean Stew
This Slow-Cooked Hearty Ham and Bean Stew is a warm, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of smoky ham and tender Great Northern beans. Inspired by my childhood memories, this recipe combines fresh vegetables and aromatic spices to create a delicious stew that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Skipping the soaking process allows the beans to retain their texture and flavor, resulting in a truly satisfying meal. Great Northern beans are my personal favorite for this dish, as they soak up the flavors beautifully, but you can also use a 15-bean mix for added variety. Just remember to omit any seasoning packets that may be included. This stew is sure to warm your heart and soul, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation.
10
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ham bone or ham hocks
1 (Meaty and with some fat)
Yellow onion
1 large (Chopped)
Celery
2 stalks (Minced)
Carrot
1 (Shredded (optional))
Bay leaves
2 (Whole)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Great Northern beans
1 lb (Rinsed and picked over)
Low sodium chicken broth
6-8 cups (Liquid)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a spacious crock pot, start by adding the chopped onion and minced celery as the base layer.
2
Place the meaty ham bone or ham hocks on top of the vegetables.
3
Surround the ham with the rinsed and picked-over Great Northern beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4
Sprinkle the pepper over the beans and add the bay leaves and minced garlic for an aromatic boost.
5
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the crock pot, covering all ingredients. Give a gentle stir to mix everything together.
6
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for approximately 8 hours.
7
After about 6 to 7 hours, check the tenderness of the meat. When it is soft enough, carefully remove the ham from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
8
Once the ham is cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding any excessive fat and bones.
9
Return the shredded ham to the pot, stirring to incorporate it with the beans and broth.
10
For added thickness, use a fork or potato masher to smash some of the beans against the sides of the crock pot.
11
Before serving, skim off any excess fat that may have risen to the top, and be sure to discard the bay leaves.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
14
Carbs
8.5
Protein
3
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Slow-Cooked Hearty Ham and Bean Stew.
How many servings does this stew make?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the primary type of bean used in this dish?
Great Northern beans are the primary beans used, though a 15-bean mix can be substituted.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
No, the recipe suggests skipping the soaking process to allow the beans to retain their texture and flavor.
What is the total cooking time on low heat?
The stew should cook on low for approximately 8 hours.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
The crock pot should be set to the low cooking setting.
What kind of ham is recommended for this recipe?
A meaty ham bone or ham hocks with some fat are recommended.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What type of broth is used as the liquid base?
Low-sodium chicken broth is used, requiring 6 to 8 cups.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 120 calories per serving.
Is there an optional vegetable mentioned in the ingredients?
Yes, one shredded carrot is an optional ingredient.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
How much protein does this stew provide per serving?
This stew provides 8.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in one serving of this stew?
There are 3 grams of fiber per serving.
What should be placed at the bottom of the crock pot first?
The chopped onion and minced celery should be added as the base layer.
How can I make the stew thicker?
You can use a fork or potato masher to smash some of the beans against the sides of the crock pot for added thickness.
What should be done with the bay leaves before serving?
The bay leaves should be discarded before serving.
When should I check the meat to see if it is ready for shredding?
You should check the meat for tenderness after about 6 to 7 hours of cooking.
Can I use a 15-bean mix instead of Great Northern beans?
Yes, you can use a 15-bean mix for added variety, but remember to omit any included seasoning packets.
How much pepper is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
What should I do with the ham after it is removed from the pot?
Once it is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard any excessive fat and bones before returning it to the pot.
Why are the beans not soaked in this recipe?
Skipping the soak allows the beans to soak up the flavors of the broth and ham beautifully while maintaining their texture.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need between 6 to 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
What kind of onion is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifies 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
How many celery stalks are required?
Two stalks of minced celery are required.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, it is tagged as a winter recipe and is described as a warm, comforting dish.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data, there is no sugar content listed.
Should I stir the ingredients together?
Yes, after pouring in the chicken broth, give the ingredients a gentle stir to mix everything together.
What should be done with the fat that rises to the top?
You should skim off any excess fat that may have risen to the top before serving.