Savory Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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Get ready for a heartwarming bowl of comfort with this Savory Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Delight. It's the perfect way to cozy up during cooler months, and you'll love how it practically cooks itself while you go about your day.

Ingredients for Savory Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Delight

Ham hock is the star here, infusing the dish with a smoky, savory flavor. The Great Northern beans are perfect for soaking up all the deliciousness, offering a creamy texture. Carrots and celery bring a hint of sweetness and crunch, while onion and garlic provide a flavorful base. A bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary add aromatic depth. Chicken broth ties everything together, and a sprinkle of black pepper adds a bit of heat. Finish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t skip soaking the beans! It’s crucial for achieving that tender texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
  • For a different flavor twist, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a comforting family dinner, serve it alongside some garlic butter mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans?
It's best to use dried beans for this recipe as they absorb the flavors better during the long cooking process.
What can I use if I don’t have a ham hock?
Smoked turkey legs or a ham bone can work as a substitute, giving a similar smoky flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Savory Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your Great Northern beans a good rinse under cool water. Sort through them to remove any debris, then let them soak overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps them soften and cook evenly. The next day, drain and rinse those beans before tossing them into your slow cooker.

Next, nestle the ham hock right into the center of the beans. This positioning ensures the flavors will meld beautifully during the cooking process. Now, it’s time to add in your chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. These veggies add a wonderful flavor base to your dish.

Pour in the chicken broth, which serves as the flavorful liquid that will cook everything to perfection. Add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and a dash of black pepper. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook gently for about 8 to 10 hours. You’ll know it's ready when the beans are tender and the ham is nearly falling off the bone.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf. Finally, stir in some fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does all the work.
  • Hearty and nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber.
  • Rich and savory flavors: The ham hock imparts a deep, smoky taste.
  • Perfect for batch cooking: Freezes well for future meals.

Ingredients

Ham hock, 1 large
Great Northern beans, 1 lb, dried
Carrots, 2 medium, chopped
Celery, 3 stalks, chopped
Onion, 1 large, chopped
Garlic, 4 cloves, minced
Bay leaf, 1
Thyme, 1 tsp, dried
Rosemary, 1 tsp, dried
Chicken broth, 8 cups
Black pepper, 1/2 tsp
Salt, to taste
Parsley, 1/4 cup, fresh, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the beans, removing any debris. Soak them overnight in a large bowl of water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the slow cooker.
3. Place the ham hock in the slow cooker, nestled among the beans.
4. Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
7. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaf.
8. Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.

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