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- 1 lb dried navy beans - 1 cup diced ham - 1 medium onion - 2 carrots - 2 celery stalks - 4 cloves garlic - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 bay leaves - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley Let's talk about the main ingredients first. The navy beans are the heart of this dish. Make sure to soak them overnight. This makes them soft and helps them cook well. I often use leftover ham, but store-bought ham works just as well. The onion adds a sweet flavor when cooked. Carrots and celery add nice crunch and color. For the seasonings, garlic gives a strong taste. I always use low-sodium chicken broth to keep it healthy. The bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika bring out a rich flavor. Finally, salt and black pepper let you adjust the taste to your liking. You can add fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds a lovely touch and a pop of green. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions. - Soaking the beans: Start by soaking 1 lb of dried navy beans in water overnight. This helps soften the beans and cuts down cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans well. - Chopping vegetables: Next, get your vegetables ready. Dice 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Having these chopped makes it easier to layer in the slow cooker. - Layering the ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the rinsed beans first. Then, layer in the diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. This creates a nice base for your dish. - Ensuring beans are submerged: Carefully pour 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the top. Make sure the beans are fully submerged in the broth. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the great flavors. - Low setting for 6 to 8 hours: If you choose to cook on low, set your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours. This method gives the beans time to become tender and flavorful. - High setting for 3 to 4 hours: If you’re short on time, you can set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beans will still come out tender, just not as infused with flavor. Follow these steps, and you'll have a warm, hearty ham and bean stew ready to enjoy. Don't forget to check the full recipe for any additional tips! Soaking beans is key. It helps them cook evenly and stay tender. I recommend soaking dried navy beans overnight. This softens them and cuts down cooking time. After soaking, rinse the beans well to remove any impurities. Checking doneness is also important. Use a fork to test a few beans toward the end of cooking. They should be soft but not mushy. If they need more time, let them cook longer. Adjusting seasoning levels can elevate your dish. Taste the stew before serving. You can add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Adding extra spices or vegetables can boost flavor too. Try including diced bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Herbs like rosemary or oregano can add depth as well. Pair your stew with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a nice texture. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch. For presentation, use rustic bowls to serve. This makes the dish feel cozy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens the meal and adds color. Enjoy your hearty ham and bean stew! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the beans in this dish. Using black beans adds a rich flavor. Pinto beans give a creamy texture that works well too. Both options are simple. Just replace the navy beans with your choice. Soak and rinse them like you would with navy beans. The cooking time stays the same. If you want a different meat, try sausage or bacon. Sausage adds a nice spice. Bacon gives a smoky taste that many enjoy. Just chop it into pieces and add it with the other ingredients. You can mix and match to find your perfect flavor. Want a meatless option? Substitute the ham with vegetable protein. You can use tempeh or tofu. These options soak up flavors well. They keep the dish hearty and filling. Just make sure to season them well. You still get a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. To keep your slow cooker ham and beans fresh, cool them quickly. Pour the stew into shallow containers. This helps it cool evenly. Make sure to cover the containers tightly. Place them in the fridge within two hours. Your dish will stay good for about three to four days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with a date. Your ham and beans can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your ham and beans, use a pot on the stove or your microwave. For the pot, add a splash of broth or water. Heat over low until warm. Stir well to mix flavors. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish tasty and avoids overcooking. Enjoy your hearty meal again! Yes, you can use canned beans. This change saves time. When using canned beans, reduce cooking time. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours. On low, cook for 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to rinse and drain the canned beans first. This helps remove extra salt and keeps the dish healthy. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free broth. Most chicken broths are gluten-free, but check labels. Avoid any added ingredients with gluten, like certain spices. Always read the labels of your ingredients. This ensures your meal stays safe and tasty. Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Cornbread also pairs well with the stew. You can add a fresh salad for a nice crunch. Some people enjoy pickles on the side. These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. For a cozy vibe, offer a simple dessert like apple pie. Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a simple and hearty dish to make. You learned about key ingredients, from dried navy beans to diced ham. I explained step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results. You also discovered tips for flavor and texture, plus variations to suit your taste. In the end, this recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Enjoy your delicious meal and impress your family with your cooking skills.

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Warm up your kitchen with this delicious Hearty Ham and Bean Stew! Perfect for using up leftover ham, this comforting recipe combines navy beans, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a flavor-packed meal. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty dish that feeds the whole family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and rinsed

1 cup diced ham (using leftover ham or store-bought boiled ham works great)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by rinsing and draining the soaked navy beans thoroughly, then set them aside for later.

    In the base of your slow cooker, combine the rinsed beans, diced ham, finely chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic, stirring to evenly distribute.

      Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the top, making sure the beans are completely submerged to ensure proper cooking.

        Incorporate the bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beans are tender and flavors meld beautifully.

            Once the cooking time is up, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as preferred. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.

              Serve the hearty stew by ladling it into bowls and generously garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Elevate your serving experience by using rustic bowls, and don’t forget to serve with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. A extra sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will bring a vibrant visual appeal to your dish!