Day 79 - Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup (in a thermos), crostini, celery sticks, red grapes

You know, sometimes it's cold and you need soup.  And sometimes, beans and ham are on sale, and the planets align to have delicious soup in the crock pot, waiting for you when you come home after a long cold day at work.  And then you put some in a thermos with some crostini and healthy stuff and you have lunch! 

This soup is so simple, and so cheap.  I made it just for me (several large servings of soup), but you could easily triple or quadruple it for a larger crowd!

I do soak the beans overnight.  I don't normally like to do so when I'm cooking beans in a slow cooker, but soaking them first for soup renders a prettier broth.  I'm shallow about the appearance of my broth.  

It's good.  It's not terrible for you.  It's a great way to use up leftover veggies and ham.  It would be even better if you can scrounge up a ham bone.  You'll like it.  Enjoy!

Ham and Bean Slow Cooker Soup

1/2 cup 16 bean soup beans, uncooked (Or whatever mix of beans you like.  Or just white beans.  Whatever you like!)
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup ham, cut in cubes or bite sized strips
1 quart broth
1 t salt (or more, as you prefer)
1 t black pepper
1 t rubbed sage

Place beans in a pot or bowl and cover with 1 quart of cold water.  Soak beans overnight, or at least for 8 hours.  Drain.

Place all ingredients in a 2 quart crock pot.  Cook, on low, for 6-8 hours.  Serve hot and with a good, crusty loaf of bread!