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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse and Sort the Beans: Place the dried white beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Sort through the beans to remove any small stones or debris.
- Soak the Beans (Optional): If you have time, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This step can help reduce cooking time and make the beans more digestible. If you don’t have time to soak them, no worries—the Crockpot will take care of everything!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. This step is optional but adds extra depth of flavor to the soup. You can skip it if you prefer to add everything straight to the Crockpot.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot
- Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the rinsed beans, sautéed vegetables (if using), minced garlic, cubed ham, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary to the Crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
- Cover and Cook: Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. If you prefer a quicker option, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Check the Soup: After the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add an additional splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping!
Tips for the Best Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup
- Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal or a Sunday roast. The ham adds so much flavor to the soup, so don’t worry about using the best cut—anything works!
- Skip the Soaking (If Needed): While soaking beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just make sure to add enough liquid for the beans to cook thoroughly.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or even greens like spinach or kale. The soup is very adaptable, and more vegetables can only make it more hearty and nutritious!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans in the Crockpot. For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
Why This Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup is a Family Favorite
There’s something so comforting about the simplicity and flavor of Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup. The slow cooking process allows the beans and ham to soak up the rich broth, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup!
Perfect for chilly nights or as a filling meal to feed a crowd, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings everyone together around the table.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare, pull out your Crockpot and make this White Bean and Ham Soup. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a meal that’s rich in flavor and sure to please everyone. Enjoy!
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