Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup
A hearty soup made with leftover ham, simple pantry ingredients, and a few seasonings. This is a great way to stretch your food budget without sacrificing taste!
A hearty soup made with leftover ham, simple pantry ingredients, and a few seasonings. This is a great way to stretch your food budget without sacrificing taste!
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 bag great northern beans (white beans) (i use goya br
- 2 cups chopped ham (leftover or deli sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion - chopped
- 2 carrots - chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 2 cloves garlic - grated (i use a microplane)
- Carbohydrate 4.3005037109375 g
- Cholesterol 3.6 mg
- Fat 2.28881839879933 g
- Fiber 0.0299093750268221 g
- Protein 3.0344550390625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.503315859424962 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (183g)
- Sodium 627.502593109527 mg
- Sugar 4.27059433591068 g
- Trans Fat 0.124792226572299 g
- Calories 51 calories
Step-by-step
- Place beans, ham, stock, and water in a crockpot.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic; cook until tender.
- Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Place the lid on and set to cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- When done, serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce.
Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup: A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for ways to make delicious and nutritious meals without spending a fortune or spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights. It's hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make – perfect for even the most hectic schedules. The best part? It's incredibly budget-friendly! Using leftover ham transforms this simple soup into a luxurious meal, stretching those precious food dollars further. I often use leftover ham from Easter or Christmas, but even a few slices of deli ham work wonders. The secret, for me, is not to overthink it. Simple ingredients, slow cooking, and a dash of love create a truly satisfying meal that my entire family devours. It's a testament to the fact that comfort food doesn't have to break the bank or require hours of slaving over a hot stove.
Beyond its budget-friendly nature, this soup is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the seasonings to match my family's preferences. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, other times I leave it out completely, catering to my children’s palates. Similarly, the vegetables are interchangeable. Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, potatoes, or even spinach. The possibilities are truly endless. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! This recipe is a cornerstone of my meal planning. It's not just a soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symbol of comfort, and a testament to the magic of simple, delicious food made with love and a little bit of leftover ham.
Ingredient Notes:
Ham: Leftover ham is ideal, but deli ham works well too. Aim for about 2 cups chopped. Beans: Great Northern beans (also called white beans) are my preference, but you can substitute with cannellini beans or other white beans. Stock: Chicken or vegetable stock will both work wonderfully. Choose whichever aligns with your dietary preferences. Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, diced potatoes, or even some chopped spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Seasoning: Don't be afraid to experiment with the seasoning! A dash of smoked paprika or a bay leaf can add extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it further:
- Garnish with sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy richness and complements the flavors perfectly.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve with crusty bread: Dipping crusty bread into the warm, flavorful soup is a truly satisfying experience.
- Top with grated cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese adds a salty, savory element.
Storage:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's even more delicious the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
This Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a budget-helper, and a source of delicious comfort food. Give it a try, and I'm confident it'll quickly become a family favorite!
