Friday, March 8, 2013

Frugal Foodie Friday - Slow Cooker Smoky Navy Bean Soup


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This soup was a delightful surprise. I can be quite critical when it comes to bean dishes, because more often than not, I'm disappointed in the way they taste. The financial constraints of SNAP challenge, however, made it necessary for me to experiment with bean recipes and this soup was one of my happier discoveries. I found the recipe in Family Circle magazine. It caught my eye because the soup is made in a slow cooker and uses common ingredients that, in the relative scheme of things, are quite inexpensive. The recipe is straight forward and easy to follow, though I did find the soup was done long before the time suggested in the directions. My batch was ready to serve after 6 hours in the pot. Had I let it simmer longer than that, the beans and vegetables would have completely dissolved and the soup would be more of a bean puree than the soup I was expecting. Despite its truly peasant nature and having to fiddle with the time, this is a delicious soup that I'll be making often. I really hope you'll give this recipe a try. I think you'll enjoy the soup as much as I have. Here is how it is made.

Slow Cooker Smoky Navy Bean Soup...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Family Circle magazine

Ingredients:
1 pound navy beans, soaked overnight
2 ham shanks (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, thinly sliced
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with chipotle or jalapeno pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach

Directions:
1) Coat slow-cooker bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
2) Drain beans and add to slow cooker bowl. Stir in 6 cups water, ham, onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes and thyme. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours.
3) Remove ham shanks from soup and shred meat. Remove 2 cups of soup, puree and return to slow cooker along with shredded ham. Add  vinegar and salt and pepper. Add spinach by the handful and stir until wilted. Yield: 8 servings.






One Year Ago Today: Champ: Irish Scallion Mashed Potatoes for St. Patrick's Day














Two Years Ago Today: Chicken Stroganoff















Three years Ago Today: Roast Lamb

18 comments :

Red Nomad OZ said...

Although it seems impossible that it will ever cool down enough downunder to get the slow cooker out, I'll be sure and try this recipe when it does!

Yours in sweltering humidity, Red1

Diane said...

I had to look up navy beans, never heard of them. We probably get a similar bean but under another name. This soup sounds very good, I will try it with different beans. Thanks Diane

Unknown said...

Really like it!
Comfortable in a rainy and cold day like today in Rome..
Blessings dear!

Unknown said...

I'm not usually a fan of bean soups, but this looks really good. I mean really, really good!!

Big Dude said...

When Bev was growing up soup beans were pintos but for my mom they were navy beans and I still really like them. This sounds like a delicious soup and I like the colors you have in it plus the use of the tomatoes with chiles. Wish I had a bowl right now.

Unknown said...

I don't think I'd mind being a peasant with this type of hearty, delicious sounding soup simmering on the hearth!

Anonymous said...

I copied this down, my husband loves this soup! I hope you are well,

Susan Lindquist said...

So hearty! I have to laugh, I just made a beautiful lentil and sausage pot last evening. We seem to be on the same wavelength sometimes with our meal sense, Mary ... I was thinking that a nice high fiber and meaty bowl of soup would be perfect for Friday lunch! And so were you! have a wonderful weekend!

Judy@Savoring Today said...

Love navy bean soup, though I haven't tried adding tomatoes ... may just have to change that! Great recipe, have a great weekend. :)

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

I am really enjoying your Friday series, thanks!

Tricia @ saving room for dessert said...

Bean soups are one of my favorites but don't have a slow cooker recipe - but I guess I do now! Have a lovely weekend.

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks really really hearty and healthy! I also just nipped over and took a look at your chicken stroganoff, yum!!!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Navy bean soup was a regular in our home growing up but yours definitely sounds better. I love the addition of the spinach.

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

Mmmm bean soup is definitely a favourite :D

Cheers
CCU

teresa said...

oooh, next time i have a hambone, i'm coming to you! YUM!

bj said...

looks like a wonderful recipe but what can i do if i dont eat meat???

decocinasytacones said...

Oh this soup looks awesome!!!!. I´m fan of thick creams, full of things inside, no matter if they are beans, or veggies, or croutons....and this one looks great.
Love
Marialuisa

Rachelle said...

That looks so delicious.

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Printfriendly