Navy Bean Soup

A comforting Navy Bean Soup made with tender beans, smoky ham, and vegetables for a warm and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly days!

Introduction

Navy Bean Soup is a classic, wholesome meal packed with nutrients and bursting with comforting flavors. This soup features tender navy beans, savory ham, and a mix of vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s ideal for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something warm and filling. Navy beans are a wonderful source of protein and fiber, and when combined with ham and vegetables, they create a nutritious meal that’s as tasty as it is satisfying. Best of all, this soup is simple to make, and the flavors deepen as it cooks, making it even better as leftovers!

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 ham hock or 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add beans and broth: Stir in the navy beans, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
4. Simmer the soup: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. Adjust seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If using a ham hock, remove it, shred any meat, and add it back to the soup.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Prepare

Navy Bean Soup is simple to prepare. Just soak the beans, sauté the aromatics, and simmer everything together until tender. With minimal prep, this soup brings out rich flavors as it slowly cooks.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Total time: 2-3 hours (including bean soaking)

Servings

This recipe serves about 6 people.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead?
   Yes, use two 15-ounce cans of navy beans (drained and rinsed). Reduce cooking time to 30-40 minutes.
2. How do I make it vegetarian?
   Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Consider adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
4. What other meats can I use?
   Smoked sausage or bacon work well as flavorful substitutes for ham.
5. How can I thicken the soup?
   If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to slightly mash the beans, creating a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Navy Bean Soup is a nourishing, flavorful meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its blend of beans, ham, and vegetables in a seasoned broth, this soup is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Each spoonful is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for both hearty appetites and health-conscious eaters. Serve it with crusty bread, and enjoy a satisfying bowl of this classic soup!