Ham And Bean Stew
A hearty and comforting ham and bean stew with tender potatoes and fragrant celery, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, combining savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or some chopped carrots for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar depth of flavor. Feel free to season with your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and bean stew in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is excellent on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it alongside New England Salad Dressing tossed greens to balance the hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Bean Stew contains roughly 845 calories, with 17g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned baked beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Use about 1 1/2 cups of dried beans, soak them overnight, and cook them until tender before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Fully cooked ham works best for this stew since it adds flavor without requiring additional cooking time. You can use leftover holiday ham, or even diced smoked ham for a richer taste. Just make sure to remove any excess fat before cubing.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).