Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a soothe, slow cooked dish that brings warmth and heartiness to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe transforms elementary ingredients into a rich, savory soup bursting with flavor. With stamp ham, creamy beans, and redolent spices simmered gently over hours, every spoonful offers a fulfil blend of texture and taste. Whether you're ready for family or feeding one, this crock pot recipe delivers restroom without compromise just set it, forget it, and savour the results. The beauty lies in its simplicity: minimal chopping, no fussy cleanup, and maximum flavor acquire slow through low and slow cooking.
Ingredients You ll Need
To craft the perfect Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup, gather these essential components: 1 orotund ham (about 2 3 pounds), cube and skin remove 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained 1 medium onion, exquisitely chop 2 cloves garlic, mince 1 medium carrot, diced 1 stalk celery, sliced 1 cup frozen corn (optional but extremely recommended) 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon smoke paprika Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, optional)Note: Using fresh vegetables instead of displace adds depth, but canned works perfectly for hie and consistency.
Step by Step Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: cube the ham, chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and quantify out the beans and broth.
- In a turgid skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and semitransparent, about 3 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrot and celery, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crock pot. Add the cube ham, rinsed and drained, along with the rinsed beans, corn (if using), bay leaf, thyme, and smoke paprika.
- Pour in the broth and stir gently to combine all ingredients equally.
- Season liberally with salt and pepper this soup benefits from balanced mollify, specially since the ham contributes natural saltiness.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the ham to turn melt in your mouth bid.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust flavor if needed. For extra profusion, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed ham | 2 3 lbs | Main protein source, adds smoky depth |
| Pinto or black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Heartiness and fiber, ground of the soup |
| Onion | 1 medium | Base nip, softens during cooking |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Adds biting aroma and complexity |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Natural sweetness and texture |
| Celery | 1 stalk | Balances richness with crispness |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup | Sweet crunch, optional but enhances mouthfeel |
| Broth | 4 cups | Liquid substructure, controls consistency |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp | Intensifies umami and depth |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Herbal note that complements ham |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf | Subtle, earthy relish that develops easy |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds warm, smoky property |
| Salt capsicum | to taste | Balances and enhances all other flavors |
Note: Cooking time varies slightly based on ham size larger pieces may need up to 8 hours on low to ensure tenderness.
For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds affluence without overpower the original flavors.
This Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a meal it s a comfort ritual. The slow cook procedure breaks down tough ham fibers and softens beans into a velvety establish, while the aromatic herbs and spices make layers of warmth. It s idealistic for meal prep, freezing leftovers easily, or sharing with loved ones. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: hearty enough to satisfy, yet gentle enough for daily enjoyment. Whether served with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, each bowl delivers satisfaction with every bite.
With minimal effort and maximum tang, this soup proves that slow ready transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. It s a timeless favorite that fits seamlessly into busy lives, proffer nourishment wrapped in warmth. The result is a bowl of soul food, ready to comfort and delight utterly suited for any day when you desire something unfeignedly satisfying.
Related Terms:
- slow cooker bean soup recipe
- ham and bean soup recipe