Classic Slow Cooker Bean Soup

Instructions

1. Gear Up for Cozy Soup Vibes: Alright, let’s get this hearty soup party started—grab your slow cooker, a colander, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a big spoon! This classic bean soup is about to warm your heart and home. Picture that rich, savory broth—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
2. Soak the Beans with Overnight Love: The night before, measure out 1 lb dried navy beans—about 2 cups—and pour them into a large bowl. Cover them with cold water, at least 2 inches above the beans, and let them soak overnight—imagine them plumping up, ready to soak in all that flavor by morning!
3. Rinse and Prep the Beans Next Day: When you’re ready to cook, grab your colander—drain those soaked beans and give them a good rinse under cold water, washing away any debris. Pick through them with your fingers to remove any funky ones—picture those creamy beans shining, prepped for the slow cooker!
4. Chop the Veggies with Care: Take your medium onion—peel it, rinse it, and dice it into small, even pieces, about ¼-inch, imagining that sweet aroma filling the soup. Grab 2 medium carrots—peel them if you like, then chop into small cubes. Slice 2 celery stalks the same way—picture this colorful trio adding life to your broth!
5. Mince the Garlic for Bold Flavor: Peel 2 garlic cloves—give them a quick smash with the side of your knife, then mince them finely into tiny bits. Inhale that pungent goodness—imagine it blending with the beans and ham for a flavor punch that’s pure comfort!
6. Layer the Slow Cooker with Goodness: Open your slow cooker—dump those rinsed beans in first, spreading them out evenly across the bottom. Nestle in 1 ham bone or hock (or 1 cup diced ham if that’s your vibe)—place it right in the center. Add your diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top—picture them all cozying up together!
7. Pour in the Broth for Simmering Magic: Measure 6 cups chicken broth—pour it slowly over the beans and veggies, watching it fill the slow cooker and cover everything by an inch or two. Imagine that savory liquid turning into a rich, hearty soup—give it a gentle stir with your spoon to settle it all in!
8. Set the Slow Cooker and Relax: Pop the lid on tight—plug in your slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours if you’re in for a long, slow simmer, or high for 4-5 hours if you’re craving it sooner! Hit start and walk away—picture the kitchen filling with that warm, comforting aroma while you chill!
9. Check the Beans for Creamy Tenderness: When the time’s up, lift the lid—inhale that savory, ham-infused scent and grab your spoon to test a few beans. They should be soft and creamy—stir gently and check the broth’s thickness; add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Remove the ham bone with tongs if used, pulling off any meat to toss back in—imagine that hearty goodness ready to serve!
10. Serve Up Your Classic Comfort Bowl: Ladle that steaming soup into bowls—pile it high with beans, veggies, and bits of ham, savoring every spoonful of that rich, cozy flavor! Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy solo—grab a spoon and dig in, relishing every warm, hearty bite. It’s your crockpot masterpiece, so enjoy every delicious moment with a big, happy grin!