Navy Bean Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Classic Navy Bean Soup
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and our Navy Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food. This isn’t just any bean soup; it’s a deeply flavorful, satisfying meal that’s been passed down through generations. Made with a smoked ham bone and tender navy beans, this soup is rich, smoky, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham bones and transform them into something truly special.
This recipe is all about slow simmering, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The combination of ham, beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of taste that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, a great option for meal prepping, or a comforting dish to share with family and friends.
What makes this Navy Bean Soup so good?
- Smoky Flavor: The ham bone and liquid smoke create a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the soup to another level.
- Creamy Texture: Navy beans break down slightly during simmering, creating a naturally creamy texture without the need for cream.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this soup is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Tips for the Best Navy Bean Soup:
- Soak the Beans (Optional): While not essential, soaking the navy beans overnight can reduce cooking time and make them more digestible. If you skip soaking, be sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
- Use a Good Quality Ham Bone: The ham bone is the foundation of the soup’s flavor, so choose a bone with plenty of meat attached.
- Simmer Low and Slow: The key to a flavorful soup is to simmer it gently for a long period of time. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use canned navy beans instead of dry beans?
A: Yes, you can! If using canned beans, reduce the simmering time to about 30-45 minutes. Add them during the last part of the cooking process to avoid them becoming mushy.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, Navy Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with Navy Bean Soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds a nice finishing touch.
Enjoy this classic and comforting Navy Bean Soup – a perfect meal for any occasion!
Navy Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 bone ham bone
- 4 cups chopped ham
- 1.5 qt ham broth
- 16 oz dry navy beans
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium leek, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.75 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 0.5 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
- Place ham bone and ham in a large pot or slow cooker. Cover with water and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until ham is tender.
- Remove ham bone and ham from the pot. Debone the ham and discard the bone, skin, and fat. Dice the ham and set aside.
- Add navy beans, onion, leek, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves to the pot with the ham broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beans are tender.
- Stir in liquid smoke and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
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