There's something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of ham and bean soup on a chilly day. This slow cooker classic is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty crockpot, you can master this timeless recipe.
To start your ham and bean soup journey, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Grab a pound of dried beans – such as navy or Great Northern beans – along with a ham hock or leftover ham bone. Don't forget to include some aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Finally, stock up on chicken or vegetable broth, seasonings like bay leaves and garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for added depth of flavor.
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure your slow cooker is ready to go. Rinse your dried beans and check for any debris before placing them in the slow cooker. Add your ham hock or bone, chopped vegetables, broth, seasonings, and apple cider vinegar. Give everything a good stir to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.
Set your slow cooker on low heat and let the magic happen. Allow your ham and bean soup to simmer for at least 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender. The longer you cook the soup, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
Once your ham and bean soup is done cooking, it's time to serve up comfort in a bowl. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not – ham and bean soup only gets better with time. Store any extra soup in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment. Simply reheat and enjoy the comforting flavors once again.
With these simple steps, you can master the art of ham and bean soup in the slow cooker. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a delicious and warming meal that's sure to become a household favorite.
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