Hearty Ham and White Bean Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Hearty Ham and White Bean Stew is your perfect go-to comfort meal, especially on those chilly evenings. Packed with robust flavors and a satisfying texture, it's an easy-to-make dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Hearty Ham and White Bean Stew

Dried white beans form the hearty base, soaking up all the delicious flavors during cooking. The ham bone not only adds a smoky richness but also brings depth to the stew. Olive oil is used to sauté the veggies, enhancing their natural sweetness. Onions, carrots, and celery create a classic flavor trio, while garlic adds a punch of aroma. Bay leaf and dried thyme infuse the stew with earthy herbs. Finally, black pepper gives a subtle kick, and salt is added to taste to enhance all flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you forgot to soak the beans overnight, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for an hour before using.
  • For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick meal on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dunking into the rich broth. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad to complement the stew's hearty nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, but use less water and reduce the cooking time. Canned beans are already cooked, so they’ll only need to be warmed through.
What if I don't have a ham bone?
You can substitute with smoked bacon or ham hocks for a similar smoky flavor.
Can this stew be made in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Hearty Ham and White Bean Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing and sorting through your dried white beans to remove any debris. Let them soak overnight in a large bowl of water. This step ensures they cook evenly and have a tender texture.

In the morning, drain and rinse the beans again, then place them in your slow cooker. Add around 8 cups of fresh water along with that meaty ham bone. This bone is your flavor powerhouse, so don’t skip it!

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they become tender — about five minutes should do it. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more to release its aroma.

Transfer these sautéed veggies to the slow cooker, allowing their flavors to mingle with the beans and ham bone. Add in a bay leaf, a teaspoon of dried thyme, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings will round out the stew’s flavor profile.

Cover your slow cooker and let everything cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours. This long, slow cooking process will make the beans tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Once done, remove the ham bone and shred any meat from it, returning the meat to the stew. Stir well and taste; add salt as needed. The stew should be well-seasoned, hearty, and aromatic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have.
  • Slow cooker magic — minimal effort with maximum flavor development.
  • Perfectly balanced with protein, fiber, and wholesome veggies.

Ingredients

1 pound dried white beans
8 cups water
1 meaty ham bone
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the dried white beans, then soak them overnight in a large bowl of water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the slow cooker along with 8 cups of fresh water and the ham bone.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
6. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
8. Remove the ham bone, shred any meat off the bone, and return the meat to the stew.
9. Season with salt to taste, then stir well before serving.

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