Slow Cooker Ham & White Beans
Ingredients:
1 lb dried white beans (such as Great Northern or Navy beans), rinsed and sorted
1 lb cooked ham, diced (or ham bone for added flavor)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
2 cups diced carrots
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
Directions:
Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort the dried beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. No need to soak the beans beforehand.
Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): In a pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the dish.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed beans, sautéed onion and garlic (if using), diced ham (or ham bone), carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika (if using), and chicken broth (or water) into the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Optional: If using a ham bone, remove it from the slow cooker and shred any remaining meat, then return it to the soup.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Kcal: Approximately 300 per serving (depending on the size of the ham used) | Servings: 6-8