This hearty and comforting dish is a dream come true for bean lovers. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful Northern White Beans that have absorbed the rich smokiness from the ham hock, creating a deeply satisfying and savory meal. Perfectly balanced with the freshness of onions, garlic, and thyme, this dish will warm you from the inside out.
What’s even better is the versatility of this dish. You can easily make it your own by adding more vegetables or spices to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter version, simply omit the ham hock for a delicious vegetarian option. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is ideal for meal prepping or cozy family dinners.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound dried northern white beans, rinsed
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4 cups water
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1/2 pound smoked ham hock
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed beans, water, ham hock, onion, garlic, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, thyme, and olive oil.
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Stir to combine all the ingredients.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beans are tender.
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Once the beans are cooked, remove the ham hock, and shred any meat from the bone.
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Stir the shredded meat back into the beans.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
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Serve hot, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to the Recipe
A slow-cooked meal has a certain charm to it—set it and forget it while the magic happens over hours of low and slow cooking. One such dish that delivers on taste, comfort, and ease is the Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Soup. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when paired together and cooked slowly, can transform into a delicious and satisfying meal. Northern white beans, smoky neck bones, aromatic vegetables, and seasonings like soul seasoning come together in a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week.
The Richness of Northern White Beans
Northern white beans are a versatile legume known for their mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked. They have a slightly nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with smoked meats, vegetables, and broths. These beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients like iron and potassium. Their ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they’re cooked with makes them a perfect base for soups and stews, especially when cooked slowly in a crockpot.
The slow cooker method ensures that the beans become tender and soak up all the flavors from the smoked neck bones and the seasonings. The result is a rich, flavorful soup that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own or served as a side dish to complement any main course. The beans’ creamy texture makes each spoonful a satisfying experience, while the smoked meat adds a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a method that many home cooks turn to for its convenience and ability to develop deep, complex flavors. When you cook the beans on a low setting for an extended period, you allow the ingredients to meld together in a way that fast cooking methods simply can’t replicate. The low temperature ensures that the beans don’t break down too quickly, allowing them to maintain their structure and absorb the seasonings without turning mushy.
The slow cooker also frees up your time. Instead of standing over the stove, stirring and checking the dish constantly, you can set your slow cooker, go about your day, and return to a perfectly cooked meal. This hands-off cooking method makes it ideal for busy individuals or families looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Why Smoked Neck Bones?
The inclusion of smoked neck bones in this recipe is what truly elevates it from a basic bean soup to something special. Smoked meats, especially smoked neck bones, infuse the soup with a deep, smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the mild beans. Neck bones are also an affordable cut of meat that provides plenty of flavor when cooked low and slow. The slow cooker ensures the smoky goodness from the bones is fully imparted into the beans, creating a rich broth that is both hearty and flavorful.
If you don’t have neck bones, you can substitute with ham hocks or smoked turkey legs. These alternatives also offer a nice smoky flavor and tender meat that will shred beautifully when the dish is done.
Customization Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add additional vegetables, such as carrots and celery, to boost the nutritional value of the soup and add a little more texture. Some people even like to add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce for a spicy kick.
For those looking to make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will give you a lighter version of the dish without compromising too much on flavor. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to enhance the soup’s depth and color.
The Secret to Perfect Beans
When cooking beans in a slow cooker, one important tip to remember is to avoid adding acidic ingredients like vinegar or tomatoes too early in the cooking process. These ingredients can make the beans tough and prevent them from softening properly. Instead, wait until the end of the cooking time to stir in the vinegar (and any additional seasonings) to enhance the flavors without affecting the texture of the beans.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the beans once they’re fully cooked. This will create a thicker, creamier broth, while still leaving some whole beans for texture. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to achieve a similar effect.
A Perfect Meal for Any Season
While this dish is perfect for the colder months, its rich, smoky flavors make it a comforting choice any time of year. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a chilly winter evening, a bowl of this slow-cooked Northern White Bean Soup will warm you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the house with the enticing smells of slow-cooked goodness and making you feel right at home.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, a fresh salad, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping. The creamy texture of the soup and the smoky depth of flavor are complemented perfectly by a crunchy, hearty side. For a lighter option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed greens to balance out the richness of the dish.
Meal Prep and Storage
One of the great things about this soup is that it makes for fantastic leftovers. The flavors only get better as the soup sits, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well, so you can portion it out and freeze for future meals. Just be sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it in the freezer.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking method allows the beans to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the smoked meat, seasonings, and broth. Whether you’re making it for your family, a gathering, or just meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
This simple yet flavorful bean soup is a wonderful example of how humble ingredients can be transformed into a satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, it brings comfort, warmth, and deliciousness in every bite. So, set it in your slow cooker, and let the aromas fill your home while it cooks to perfection.