Marianne Martinez
White beans and ham is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for using up leftover ham from holiday dinners. The recipe is simple: toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook slowly for around 6 to 8 hours. The result is a creamy, flavourful stew that goes perfectly with cornbread. This dish is a great option for busy families or potluck dinners and can be customised with additional herbs, spices, and vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | White beans, ham, onion, stock vegetables, chicken broth, water |
| Optional Ingredients | Ham seasoning, thyme, garlic, pepper, salt, bay leaves, herbs, brown sugar, vinegar, cornbread, butter |
| Crockpot Type | Slow cooker |
| Cook Time | 6-8 hours |
| Preparation | Rinse beans, spread on baking sheet to check for stones, add to crockpot with other ingredients, stir |
| Bean Texture | Tender, creamy |
| Serving Suggestions | Cornbread, crusty white bread, cornbread muffins, sourdough |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate within an hour, will keep for 3-5 days; freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients: ham, onion, dried beans, stock vegetables, and chicken broth
Cooking white beans and ham in a crock pot is an excellent way to use up leftover ham from holiday dinners. It's a simple, comforting dish that's easy to make and can be left to cook slowly throughout the day. The recipe uses a few key ingredients: ham, onion, dried beans, stock vegetables, and chicken broth.
Firstly, you'll need to prepare your ham. While you can use chopped or cubed ham, many people recommend using a bone-in ham steak for extra flavour. If you don't have leftover ham with a bone, you can usually find one in the meat section of your grocery store, or use ham shanks or hocks.
For the beans, dried great northern beans are a popular choice, but navy beans are also used and tend to be softer and creamier when cooked. It's recommended to use a one-pound bag of beans, and there's no need to soak them beforehand. Simply rinse the beans and add them to the crockpot.
Onions are a key ingredient to add flavour to the dish. You can use onion powder or a chopped white onion, depending on your preference. Some people also add additional vegetables like carrots and celery for extra colour, flavour, and nutrition.
Chicken broth is an essential ingredient, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. You can adjust the amount of broth or water added to control the thickness of your soup. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot once they're cooked.
Finally, you can season your dish to taste. Salt and pepper are commonly used, and you can also add herbs like thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning. Ham seasoning is also recommended to enhance the smoky ham flavour.
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Preparation: Rinse beans, add to crock pot with ham bone, cover, and cook
To cook white beans and ham in a crock pot, you'll first want to prepare your ingredients. Rinse your chosen type of white beans under running water, checking for and removing any stones or pebbles. You can choose to soak your beans overnight, but this is not necessary and will only reduce the amount of water needed during cooking.
Next, add your rinsed beans to the crock pot. If you're using dried beans, you'll need about a pound. You can also use canned beans, but be aware that these are already cooked, so you'll need to reduce the cooking time. Add your ham bone to the pot, along with any desired stock vegetables such as onions, carrots, or celery. You can also add spices and herbs to taste, such as onion powder, thyme, garlic, pepper, or salt, though be aware that the ham and chicken broth will already bring saltiness to the dish.
Finally, cover the crock pot and set it to cook. The cooking time will depend on your desired consistency, but plan for around 7-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.
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Cook time: 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat
To cook white beans and ham in a crock pot, you'll need to set aside 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat. This is a great recipe for using up leftover ham, and it's a simple, comforting dish.
First, you'll need to prepare your beans. It's recommended to spread them out and check for any stones or pebbles, then rinse them thoroughly. You don't need to soak them beforehand, but if you do, you'll need less water when cooking.
Next, add your rinsed beans, onion powder or chopped, and any other desired vegetables like carrots, to the crock pot. You can also add some salt, pepper, and herbs for extra flavour. If you're using a ham bone, shank, or hock, add this now, along with enough water or chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Give everything a good stir, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
After cooking, remove any bones or large pieces of ham. Shred the meat and add it back to the crockpot, stirring it through the beans. If you want a thicker soup, use a spatula to press some beans against the side of the pot and stir. Repeat this process if needed.
Finally, taste your creation and serve warm with cornbread, crusty white bread, or your favourite side. Enjoy!
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Serving suggestions: Cornbread, crusty white bread, or rice
Slow-cooked white beans and ham is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for using up leftover ham from holiday dinners. It's a simple dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish to serve with white beans and ham. It adds a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture to the meal. You can make it homemade or use a skillet cornbread for a more rustic feel. For an extra indulgent treat, spread some butter on your cornbread before dunking it into the rich broth of the beans and ham. This combination is a match made in heaven and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Crusty White Bread
If you're a bread lover, serving this dish with crusty white bread is another excellent option. The crusty exterior provides a satisfying contrast to the soft and tender beans. Dunking a slice of this bread into the broth creates a delightful texture combination. You can also spread softened salted butter on the bread for an extra decadent touch. This option is perfect for those who want to savour every last drop of the flavourful broth.
Rice
For those who prefer a more filling option, serving the white beans and ham over a bed of rice is a delicious choice. The rice absorbs the flavours of the broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This option is perfect for turning your slow-cooked beans and ham into a complete meal, especially if you're serving a large group or have hungry family members to feed.
Additional Suggestions
While cornbread, crusty white bread, and rice are the most popular options, you can also get creative with your serving suggestions. Some people enjoy adding a touch of vinegar or hot sauce to their bowl of white beans and ham to enhance the flavours. Others might prefer to serve it with a side of fried bread, following a family recipe passed down through generations. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, to create a unique pairing.
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Tips: Add herbs, spices
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavour to your white beans and ham crockpot dish. You can add herbs like thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning. If you want to add a unique twist, try using Herbs de Provence, which is a blend of various herbs that will enhance the flavour of your dish. Additionally, spices like smoked paprika, black pepper, and Himalayan salt will give your meal a nice kick. If you want to enhance the smokiness of the ham, consider using ham seasoning, which can be easily found in stores.
When adding herbs and spices, it's important to consider the saltiness of the ham and other ingredients. For example, chicken broth can be quite salty, so you may want to omit additional salt or use low-sodium chicken broth. Taste your dish as you go, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
If you're using dried thyme, opt for dried thyme leaves instead of ground thyme. Fresh thyme is also a great option; use around 10 sprigs for a potent herbal flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some brown sugar to your dish. It might sound unusual, but it can take your beans to the next level, giving them a sensational flavour.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. You can also try adding vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to enhance the flavour and texture of your dish. Remember to taste your dish throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need white beans, ham, and water or chicken broth. You can also add vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, as well as seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves.
It typically takes around 6 to 8 hours to cook white beans and ham in a crock pot on low heat. If you are in a hurry, you can cook it on high heat for 4 to 5 hours.
Soaking the beans overnight is not necessary, but some people choose to do so. If you do soak the beans, you will need to reduce the amount of water used during cooking by about 2 cups.
