Slow-Cooker Ham and 12 Bean Soup
Chunks of hearty vegetables and ham in a thick, rich broth make this Slow-Cooker Ham and 12 Bean Soup perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces 12 bean soup mix, found in the dry bean section of your grocery store
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup celery , chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 ham bones, with meat
- 32 ounces vegetable stock, or chicken stock
- 12 ounces beer
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Open the bag of beans and throw away the seasoning packet. Put the beans in a bowl of water and soak them overnight in the refrigerator. OR put the beans in a dutch oven with 8 cups of water and boil them for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow them to sit in the hot water for one hour. This is the quick cook method and is usually what I do.
- While the beans are soaking in hot water, chop your veggies and put them in the slow-cooker. Add the minced garlic, ham shanks, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Once the beans have been soaked, drain them and add them to the slow-cooker along with the vegetable stock, beer and water. Stir all together.
- Cover the slow-cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, stirring once or twice throughout the cooking time. The soup will become thick and the meat will easily come off of the bones. Before serving the soup, remove the bones and stir. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Equipment
- 1 5-quart slow-cooker
Notes
The 12 bean mixture will have a variety of beans. I think this is more flavorful than using just one type of bean. But you can certainly use what you like or what you have on hand.
Nutrition
Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 18gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 1.029mgPotassium: 1.194mgFiber: 13gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2.417IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 6mg