Ham Great Northern Bean

A hearty, comforting soup featuring tender Great Northern beans, savory ham, and classic aromatics, slow-cooked for rich flavor—perfect for chilly days. This gluten-free recipe yields 6 servings of nourishing comfort food that is simple to prepare in a slow cooker.

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This American classic relies on a slow-cooked base of chicken broth and water, enriched by a meaty ham bone or diced ham. By combining aromatics like onion, carrots, and celery with garlic and thyme, the soup develops a complex flavor profile that is both savory and aromatic. It is an ideal meal for those looking for an easy, gluten-free option that tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups (300 g) diced cooked ham
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste (add cautiously—ham can be salty)

Instructions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried beans to remove debris. No soaking is needed for slow cooker use, but you may soak overnight if desired for softer beans and reduced cooking time.

Step 2

In a large slow cooker, combine beans, ham bone or diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Step 3

Pour in chicken broth and water. Add bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.

Step 4

Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until beans are tender and flavors meld.

Step 5

Remove ham bone, if using. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Step 7

Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a creamier texture, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving. Use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably and cook evenly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. If using store-bought broth or ham, always check labels for potential gluten or allergen cross-contamination to keep the dish safe for everyone.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread. Serve it hot and consider a garnish of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and color.

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Whether you're warming up on a cold day or looking for a nutritious meal that yields 310 calories per serving, this Ham and Great Northern Bean Soup is a reliable and delicious choice. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a staple for any kitchen.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can dried Great Northern beans be soaked before cooking?

Soaking is optional. Soaking overnight softens the beans and reduces cooking time, but not required when using a slow cooker.

→ How do I handle the ham bone after cooking?

Remove the bone once cooking is complete, shred any meat left on it, and stir it back in to retain flavor and texture.

→ Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free broth and verifying ham ingredients ensures the dish remains gluten-free.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to enhance the savory depth and provide subtle heat.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers for best quality.

→ Can I create a creamier texture?

Mashing some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving thickens the texture naturally.