Traditional Bean Soup Featuring Wheat Berries

This hearty soup combines tender beans and chewy wheat berries for a comforting, nutritious meal. Perfect for chilly days, it’s easy to make and full of wholesome flavors that warm you from the inside out.

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TIME5 hr 20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Traditional Bean Soup Featuring Wheat Berries

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 ham bone water to cover 8 ounces dried navy beans 8 ounces cranberry beans 8 ounces wheat berries 1 tablespoon celery salt 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste fresh cracked black pepper to taste 8 ounces dried lentils salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 ripe tomatoes, diced 1 ripe avocado, diced 2 green onions, sliced, or more to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by placing the ham bone in your slow cooker and cover it with water. Let it cook on low for about 12 to 15 hours until it smells wonderfully fragrant and you have a rich stock. While that’s going, soak the navy beans, cranberry beans, and wheat berries in a big bowl of cool water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain them well.

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Step 2

Take the ham bone out of the slow cooker, then add the soaked beans and wheat berries back in. Toss in the celery salt, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and some black pepper. Turn the slow cooker to high and let everything cook for around 4 hours, until the beans are tender but still have a bit of bite.

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Step 3

Finally, stir in the lentils and keep cooking on high for another hour or so, until they’re soft. Give the soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. When you're ready to serve, top each bowl with some diced tomatoes, avocado, and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This soup offers a hearty and comforting meal that is packed with fiber and protein. The combination of beans and wheat berries creates a satisfying texture and a rich, nutty flavor. It's perfect for chilly days and provides lasting energy.

Serving ideas

Serve this soup warm with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Storage & leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months—just thaw and reheat gently on the stove.