The crock pot is a thing of beauty. It allows you to throw in a few ingredients, let it simmer for hours, and return to a pot of hearty, flavorful goodness. This recipe for Crock Pot Northern Beans and Ham is a perfect example. It’s a classic combination – the creamy texture of northern beans with the smoky savor of ham – made incredibly easy by your trusty slow cooker.
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Here’s a breakdown to get you started, along with some tips and variations to turn this recipe into your own signature Crock Pot creation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried northern beans
- 1-1½ pounds ham (options include ham bone, shank, hocks, or diced smoked ham)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 6-8 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Optional vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers
- Optional flavorings like a splash of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or your favorite hot sauce
Instructions:
- Prep the Beans: Sorting and rinsing dried beans is an important step. Discard any debris and rinse the beans thoroughly in cold water. Soaking the beans overnight in plenty of water is recommended, but not entirely necessary. If you’re short on time, a quick soak for a few hours can work too.
- Assemble in the Crock: Combine the rinsed beans, ham, onion, garlic (if using), water or broth, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper in your crock pot. If you’ve opted for vegetables, add them now as well.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 6-8 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and age of your beans, so it’s always a good idea to check them towards the end.
- Flavorful Finish: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. If you find the dish needs a bit more depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of salt (be careful, the ham can add some saltiness already), a splash of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy finish.
- Serving Suggestions: Crock Pot Northern Beans and Ham is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice, cornbread, or crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or a dollop of sour cream are also great accompaniments.
Tips and Variations:
- Ham Options: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use a leftover ham bone, shank, or hocks for a richer flavor. Diced smoked ham adds a smokier note. No matter which cut you choose, remove the meat from the bone after cooking and shred or chop it before returning it to the pot.
- Bean Power: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Great Northern beans are a classic choice, but navy beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans would also work well.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. They can be added at the beginning with the beans or later in the cooking process.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno can add a touch of heat. Dried herbs like rosemary or oregano can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Crock Pot Northern Beans and Ham freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
With its ease of preparation and delicious results, Crock Pot Northern Beans and Ham is a recipe that will become a weeknight staple. So next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try and explore the endless variations to make it your own.