Whenever this dish is in front of me, all my willpower goes out the window

1. Place the rinsed navy beans, ham bone or diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaves in a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the ham bone (if using) and bay leaves from the slow cooker.
5. Using a ladle, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
6. Return the blended soup to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you will need the following kitchen equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ladle
• Blender or immersion blender

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Food Pairings

Slow Cooker Navy Bean & Ham Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For drinks, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine or a hearty beer to complement the flavors of the soup.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of bean?

While navy beans work best for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other varieties such as Great Northern beans or cannellini beans for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ham or replace it with vegetarian ham or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Can I cook this soup on high heat?

While it’s possible to cook the soup on high heat for a shorter amount of time, I recommend sticking with the low and slow method for the best results. This allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures that the beans are cooked to perfection.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Slow Cooker Navy Bean & Ham Soup a try and discover the joy of cozying up with a bowl of homemade goodness. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to Gogorecipe for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!