Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ham bone (about 1 pound)
• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

8-10 hours on low in a slow cooker

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
2. Place the ham bone in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cooked vegetables, navy beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender.
4. Remove the ham bone from the soup and discard.
5. Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 260
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 38g
• Protein: 14g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and comforting
• Savory and flavorful
• Rich in protein and fiber
• Perfect for a cold winter day

User Comments:

• "This soup is so delicious and satisfying. It's the perfect comfort food on a cold night." - Sarah
• "The ham bone gives the soup an amazing flavor. It's definitely a winner!" - John
• "I love how easy this soup is to make. I just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing." - Mary
• "This soup is perfect for a crowd. It's easy to double or triple the recipe, so you can feed a large group without breaking a sweat." - David
• "I've made this soup several times, and it's always a hit. My guests rave about it!" - Susan

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a ham bone, you can substitute a 1-pound ham steak or ham hock.
• You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or peas.
• Be sure to rinse the navy beans thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help to remove any debris or dirt.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Serve the soup with your favorite crusty bread, crackers, or cornbread.