This isn't just any ham and bean soup recipe; it's a journey into comforting, deeply flavorful goodness, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. We'll cover everything from choosing the right ham to perfecting the broth, ensuring your crockpot ham and bean soup becomes a family favorite. This recipe is optimized for search engines and answers common questions surrounding crockpot ham and bean soup.
What kind of ham should I use for ham and bean soup?
The best ham for ham and bean soup is bone-in ham, either a leftover holiday ham or a specifically purchased bone-in ham hock. The bone adds incredible depth of flavor to the broth. A spiral-cut ham can work in a pinch, but you'll miss out on some of that rich, savory essence. Look for a ham with a good amount of fat content; it'll render beautifully during the slow cooking process, adding richness and texture to your soup.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans in crockpot ham and bean soup?
Absolutely! Using dried beans will create a richer, more complex flavor profile. However, it requires significant pre-planning. Dried beans need to be soaked overnight (or quick-soaked for at least an hour) before adding them to your crockpot. Plan accordingly, as this adds several hours to the overall cooking time. If using dried beans, add them to the crockpot with the ham and water, and increase the cooking time to 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
How long does it take to make ham and bean soup in a crockpot?
Using canned beans, your crockpot ham and bean soup will typically take 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Remember that cooking time can vary slightly depending on your crockpot's capabilities and the size of your ham bone. Using dried beans will significantly increase the cooking time, adding several more hours.
What are the best beans for ham and bean soup?
Great question! The classic choice is navy beans, known for their delicate texture and ability to absorb the ham's flavor beautifully. However, you can experiment with other beans as well! Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans will add a delightful twist to the recipe. Just be mindful that different beans have different cooking times, so adjust accordingly if you're not using navy beans.
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe: Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in ham (or ham hock), roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15 ounce) cans of your choice of beans, rinsed and drained (or 2 cups dried beans, soaked overnight)
- 6 cups of chicken or ham broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: Place the chopped ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, thyme, rosemary, and pepper in your crockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is tender and the beans are cooked through. If using dried beans, increase cooking time to 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
- Season and serve: Remove the ham bone (if using a bone-in ham), shred the ham, and return it to the pot. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup:
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it your own: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of cooking.
This recipe is designed to be a starting point. Feel free to personalize it to your own tastes and preferences. Enjoy your delicious, slow-cooked ham and bean soup!
