Here’s a hearty Navy Bean Soup recipe — warm, comforting, and packed with flavor! 🥣
🌿 Classic Navy Bean Soup
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1½–2 hours (or 45 min in pressure cooker)
🫘 Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 2 cups) dried navy beans, rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham (optional but traditional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds great depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🥘 Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans
- Quick soak method: Bring beans and 6 cups of water to a boil, then turn off heat and let sit 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
OR - Overnight soak: Soak beans in plenty of water overnight, then drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Sauté the Base
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Add soaked beans, broth, ham (if using), bay leaf, thyme, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are soft and soup is thickened.
(Add more broth or water if it gets too thick.)
4. Season and Serve
- Remove bay leaf and ham hock (if used); shred the meat and return it to the pot.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
🍞 Serving Ideas
- Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
Would you like a slow cooker or Instant Pot version too?
This sumptuous navy bean soup is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that captures the essence of warmth and comfort. With a modest 15-minute prep time and a leisurely 4 hours and 10 minutes of cooking, this recipe beckons you to slow down, savor the aromas, and anticipate the delightful flavors that unfold with time.
The symphony of ingredients, including hearty navy beans, diced tomatoes, savory ham, aromatic onion, crisp celery, umami-packed Worcestershire sauce, piquant garlic, chicken bouillon, fragrant parsley, garlic powder, and the subtle magic of a bay leaf, converges in a stockpot to create a robust concoction. As the ingredients meld and dance together, the kitchen fills with a tantalizing fragrance that signals the promise of a deeply satisfying meal.
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The initial two hours of simmering allow the beans to absorb the essence of the tomatoes, ham, and aromatic vegetables, infusing the broth with layers of flavor. The addition of water, salt, and pepper in the latter stage adds depth and balance, transforming this soup into a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Each spoonful offers a medley of earthy beans, succulent ham, and the subtle acidity of tomatoes, all enveloped in a broth that is both hearty and soul-soothing.
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Nutritionally, this navy bean soup emerges as a virtuous choice, with 236 calories per serving. It delivers a commendable 16 grams of protein, making it a satiating option for those seeking a substantial and nourishing meal. The 13 grams of dietary fiber contribute to a wholesome dining experience, promoting a sense of fullness and digestive well-being. Furthermore, the soup imparts essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium, enhancing its nutritional profile.
As you ladle this soul-warming creation into bowls, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf—a simple step that ensures the focus remains on the vibrant medley of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a standalone delight or paired with a crusty loaf of bread, this navy bean soup transcends the boundaries of a mere recipe; it becomes a culinary masterpiece, inviting you to relish the joy of slow-cooked perfection and the comfort found in each nourishing spoonful.
Navy Bean Soup
This hearty navy bean soup will warm you up on a cold night.
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs 10 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 25 mins
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 (16 ounce) package dried navy beans
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- ½ pound chopped ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Combine water, beans, tomatoes, ham, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, bouillon, parsley, garlic powder, and bay leaf in a stock pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for two hours.
- Add 3 cups of water; stir in salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional two hours. Discard bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| calories236 | |
|---|---|
| total fat 3g | |
| saturated fat 1g | |
| cholesterol 15mg | |
| sodium 879mg | |
| total carbohydrate 36g | |
| dietary fiber 13g | |
| total sugars 4g | |
| protein 16g | |
| vitamin c 9mg | |
| calcium 98mg | |
| iron 4mg | |
| potassium 761mg | |
