Slow Cooker Northern Bean & Spinach Soup
Cozy Up with Slow Cooker Northern Bean & Spinach Soup!
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting soup to warm you from the inside out. This Slow Cooker Northern Bean & Spinach Soup is a family favorite – incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy!
This recipe utilizes the magic of the slow cooker, meaning minimal effort for maximum flavor. Simply combine the ingredients in the morning, and come home to a fragrant and satisfying soup ready to enjoy. The northern beans create a creamy base, while the spinach adds a boost of vitamins and color. Diced ham provides a delightful savory element, but feel free to omit it for a vegetarian version.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Easy & Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work!
- Flavorful & Hearty: A satisfying meal that will keep you full.
- Nutritious: Packed with beans, spinach, and vegetables.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Soaking the Beans: Don’t skip the overnight soak! This helps the beans cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. If you forget, you can quick-soak them by boiling for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour.
- Vegetable Broth: Using a good quality vegetable broth makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. A pinch of smoked paprika also adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Make it Creamier: For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different beans?
A: Yes, you can! Great Northern beans or cannellini beans would also work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: This recipe is easily made vegetarian by omitting the ham. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread for dipping is always a good choice! A side salad also complements the soup nicely.
Slow Cooker Northern Bean & Spinach Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried northern beans rinsed (Soak overnight)
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight.
- Combine beans, carrots, onion, garlic, pepper, salt, and broth in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in spinach and ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot.
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