Crock Pot Bean Soup

Crock Pot Bean Soup Recipe with Ham Hock and Tomato

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Bean soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in. This Crock Pot Bean Soup recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious and hearty soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Bean soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that have been used in soups, stews, and other dishes around the world. This recipe for Crock Pot Bean Soup is a modern twist on a classic dish, using a slow cooker to make the cooking process even easier.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dry white beans
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
1 chopped onion
2 minced cloves of garlic
2 tsp olive oil
1 ham hock or ham bone, or 0.25 lb (113 g) diced salt pork
1 peeled and chopped tomato
0.5 tsp thyme
1 tbsp wine vinegar
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Soak the beans in water overnight and drain.
If using salt pork, sauté it in a skillet until browned. Add onion and garlic during the last few minutes of sautéing, or sauté onion and garlic in oil.
Add the sautéed mixture to a crock cooker along with the beans, water, and all other ingredients except vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Cook on the low setting for 10 to 12 hours.
At serving time, stir in vinegar, slightly mash the beans, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a different twist on this recipe.
Add cooked sausage or ham for a meatier version of this soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly.

- Sautéing the salt pork, onion, and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker helps to enhance the flavors of the soup.

- Adding the vinegar at the end of the cooking process helps to brighten the flavors of the soup.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Crock Pot Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking process in a crock pot allows the flavors of the soup to develop slowly over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or ham instead.

- If you don't have white beans, you can use any type of dried beans that you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

This Crock Pot Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this Crock Pot Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Crock Pot Bean Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of white wine, or a slice of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Crock Pot Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Crock Pot Bean Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Crock Pot Bean Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Crock Pot Bean Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Crock Pot Bean Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Crock Pot Bean Soup is a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

This Crock Pot Bean Soup is a nutritious and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

This Crock Pot Bean Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a cozy night in.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Crock Pot Bean Soup. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. The recipe came to me in a most unexpected way, from a most unexpected person.

I had always enjoyed cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. I loved the way she would effortlessly create delicious meals from seemingly simple ingredients. So, when I got married and started my own family, I knew that I wanted to carry on that tradition of good home cooking.

Over the years, I collected recipes from friends, family, cookbooks, and even the internet. But it was during a chance encounter with a stranger that I discovered the recipe for Crock Pot Bean Soup.

I was at the grocery store, trying to decide what to make for dinner that night. As I stood in the aisle staring at the shelves of canned goods, a sweet elderly lady approached me. She had a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

"Excuse me, dear," she said. "I couldn't help but notice that you were looking at the beans. Are you a fan of bean soup?"

I smiled back at her. "Yes, I love bean soup. Do you have a good recipe?"

The lady's eyes lit up. "As a matter of fact, I do. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like me to share it with you?"

I was thrilled at the offer. "I would love that," I exclaimed.

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. She handed it to me with a smile. "Here you go, dear. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has."

I thanked her profusely and we said our goodbyes. As I walked through the store, I couldn't wait to get home and try out the recipe for Crock Pot Bean Soup.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions on the piece of paper. The soup simmered away in the crock pot, filling the house with a warm, comforting aroma. When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a hesitant first bite.

It was like a taste of heaven. The beans were tender, the broth was rich and flavorful, and the seasonings were just right. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious.

From that moment on, Crock Pot Bean Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever the weather turned chilly or someone was feeling under the weather, I would whip up a batch of this comforting soup. It never failed to warm us from the inside out.

As the years passed, I continued to make Crock Pot Bean Soup, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit our tastes. Sometimes I would add in extra vegetables or swap out the beans for a different variety. But no matter what changes I made, the heart of the recipe remained the same.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on to anyone who asked for it. It became a beloved dish at potlucks and gatherings, with people always asking for seconds.

And now, as I sit here reminiscing about how I stumbled upon the recipe for Crock Pot Bean Soup, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter in the grocery store all those years ago. It just goes to show that you never know where inspiration will strike or where a new recipe might come from.

So, if you ever find yourself at a loss for what to make for dinner, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger or try out a new recipe. You never know what delicious creations you might discover. And who knows, you may just stumble upon your own version of Crock Pot Bean Soup.