Introduction
Discover the comforting delight of navy bean soup, a hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of navy beans with the rich taste of a ham bone, complemented by aromatic vegetables. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that warms the soul and fills the belly.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Navy beans
1 pound
Ham bone
1 (about 1-2 pounds)
Onion
1 large, chopped
Celery
2 stalks, chopped
Carrots
2 medium, sliced
Bay leaves (optional)
2
Cloves (optional)
2-3 whole
Garlic
3 cloves, minced
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Water
Enough to cover the beans and ingredients
Prep Time
10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings
Directions
1. Rinse the navy beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and let them soak overnight.
2. The next day, drain the beans and transfer them to a large stock pot. Add the ham bone and cover with fresh water.
3. If using bay leaves and cloves, tie them in a piece of cheesecloth to create a spice pouch and add it to the pot.
4. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
7. Remove the ham bone from the pot. If desired, remove any remaining meat from the bone, chop it, and return it to the soup.
8. If the soup is too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Remove the spice pouch before serving.
11. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Soak Beans
Rinse the navy beans under cold water to remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
Step 2: Prepare the Stock Pot
The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large stock pot. Add the ham bone into the pot and cover all ingredients with fresh water.
Step 3: Add Spice Pouch (Optional)
If you choose to use bay leaves and cloves, take a piece of cheesecloth, place the spices inside, and tie it securely to create a spice pouch. Add this pouch to the pot with the ham bone and beans.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables
Chop the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Add these chopped vegetables along with the minced garlic to the pot with the beans and ham bone.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This step is important to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer.
Step 7: Simmer the Mixture
Let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the navy beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Remove the Ham Bone
After 2 hours, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. If there is any meat still attached to the bone, you can remove it easily. Chop the meat into small pieces if desired and return it to the soup.
Step 9: Adjust Consistency
If the soup appears too thick, add additional water in small increments until you reach your desired consistency. This will help achieve the right texture for your soup.
Step 10: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. This could include adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
Step 11: Remove Spice Pouch
Before serving, be sure to remove the spice pouch (if used) from the pot. This ensures no whole spices are left in the soup.
Step 12: Serve the Soup
Serve the soup hot. For an extra touch, consider garnishing each bowl with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Soaking Beans
Soaking the navy beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
Vegetable Variety
Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other options include bell peppers or potatoes.
Storage
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Taste Check
Always perform a final taste check before serving to ensure the seasoning is just right for your palate. Adjust as needed.
Cook techniques
Soaking Navy Beans
Rinse the navy beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight to help them cook evenly and reduce cooking time.
Simmering for Flavor
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
Creating a Spice Pouch
If using bay leaves and cloves, tie them in a piece of cheesecloth to make a spice pouch. This makes it easy to remove the spices after cooking without leaving bits in the soup.
Adjusting Consistency
If the soup is thicker than desired, add more water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
Seasoning to Taste
Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for flavor enhancement.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans; just rinse them and add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
How long can I store leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of a ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, you can substitute with smoked turkey leg or add diced ham for flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or bell peppers based on your preference.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this navy bean and ham soup is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
This hearty navy bean and ham soup brings together nutritious ingredients and comforting flavors. The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it on a chilly day or as a filling meal that can be easily made in larger batches for leftovers.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Navy Bean Salad
Combine cooked navy beans with diced tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Bean and Vegetable Stew
Use navy beans as the base and add additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, simmered in vegetable broth.
Ham and Bean Casserole
Mix navy beans with diced ham, corn, and cheddar cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole dish.
Spicy Bean Chili
Add chili powder and diced jalapeños to navy beans, along with ground meat or vegetables, for a spicy twist on traditional chili.
Navy Bean Dip
Blend cooked navy beans with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini for a tasty dip, perfect for serving with pita bread or vegetable sticks.
