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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Soak the Beans (if using dried beans): If you’re using dried navy beans, you’ll want to soak them overnight in water, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit covered for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans well.
- Sauté the Vegetables (optional): In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5-7 minutes until softened. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot
- Transfer the soaked and drained beans (or canned beans), diced ham, sautéed vegetables (if using), garlic, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Add the bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
- Set your Crockpot to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the beans are tender, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Once the soup is done cooking, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If you like a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans, or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup
- Use Leftover Ham: This is the perfect way to use up leftover holiday ham or any ham bone. The leftover ham adds incredible flavor to the soup, making it even more comforting and delicious.
- Make It Your Own: Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or kale. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste—some people like to add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
- For a Smokier Flavor: If you want a deeper smoky flavor, add a smoked ham hock or smoked sausage to the soup while it’s cooking. Remove it before serving and shred the meat to stir back in.
- For a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or blending a portion of the soup once it’s done cooking.
- Skip the Soaking Step: If you’re using canned beans, there’s no need to soak them first. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the Crockpot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for dipping into this hearty soup.
- Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light, fresh salad, like a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw.
- Cheese: For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Why You Should Try Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup
This Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With its rich, savory broth, tender beans, and smoky ham, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a warm lunch, this soup will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
Enjoy the heartiness of this classic soup with minimal effort, and let your slow cooker work its magic!
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