Slow Cooker White Bean Beer and Ham Soup

Maybe you had ham for Christmas. Maybe you’re that person. I am, sometimes. Unless I want to make a turkey. Or pot roast. But ham is a great holiday offering. The only problem is how much you have left over. Mostly because you can’t have a small ham, you have to have a gigantic ham. This creates an issue of what to do with all that ham you have left over.  Ham and bean soup is a tradition in my life; and to be honest, I like it even better than the original ham dinner. It’s like a bonus gift this holiday season, a warm soup that takes so little effort and even freezes well. Happy holidays, people.

Slow Cooker White Bean Beer and Ham Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 large ham bone
• 1 cup chopped ham
• 1 cup white onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. Great Northern beans, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 12 ounces pale ale
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh shaved parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby arugula

Directions:

1. In a large slow cooker stir together the ham bone, ham, white onion, celery, carrot, garlic, beans, broth and beer.
2. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until beans are tender.
3. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Ladle into bowls, top with shaved Parmesan and baby arugula.

Photo credit: Jackie Dodd

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