Introduction
Delve into the comforting warmth of homemade navy bean soup, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a satisfying meal any day of the week. This hearty recipe combines the richness of ham with the wholesome goodness of navy beans and vegetables, creating a delightful dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound dried navy beans
1 ham bone (or 1 pound thick-cut ham or bacon)
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves (optional)
2 whole cloves (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or chicken/vegetable broth
Prep Time
Overnight soaking time for beans: approximately 8 hours
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: approximately 10 hours (including soaking)
Yield: Serves 6-8
This navy bean soup, with its delightful blend of flavors and textures, is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as a hearty meal, it captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Soak Beans
Rinse the navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and let them soak overnight.
Step 2: Prepare Beans and Ham
The next day, drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, combine the soaked beans and ham bone. Add enough water or broth to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
Step 3: Add Bay Leaves and Cloves
If using bay leaves and cloves, tie them in a piece of cheesecloth to form a sachet and add it to the pot.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Step 5: Remove Ham Bone
Remove the ham bone from the pot. If there’s meat on the bone, remove it, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 7: Simmer Vegetables
Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 8: Season and Remove Sachet
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and clove sachet before serving.
Step 9: Serve the Soup
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Notes
Soaking Beans
Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.
Choosing the Meat
You can use either a ham bone for added flavor or substitute it with thick-cut ham or bacon if preferred.
Adjusting Consistency
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the pot with a fork or potato masher.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Soaking Beans
Rinsing and soaking navy beans overnight helps to soften them and reduces cooking time, ensuring they cook evenly and digest more easily.
Simmering
Simmering the beans with the ham bone allows the flavors to meld together, infusing the broth with a rich, savory taste. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling over.
Removing Bay Leaves and Cloves
Using a sachet for bay leaves and cloves makes it easy to remove them from the soup before serving, preventing any unwanted flavors or textures in the final dish.
Chopping Ingredients
Dicing the onion, celery, and carrots into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and consistent texture, making for a well-integrated soup.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the soup before serving to adjust the salt and pepper levels, which enhances the flavor profile and balances the richness of the ham.
FAQ
Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?
Yes, if using canned beans, you can skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked.
What can I use instead of a ham bone?
You can substitute with thick-cut ham or bacon to achieve a similar flavor in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the ham bone with smoked paprika or liquid smoke and use vegetable broth for a smoky flavor without the meat.
Can I freeze leftover soup?
Yes, the soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, kale, or potatoes for additional flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
This hearty navy bean soup, enriched with the flavors of ham and fresh vegetables, offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious soup that warms both body and soul. Enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Bean Soup
Replace the ham with a mix of seasonal vegetables (like zucchini and bell peppers) for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Spicy Bean and Ham Soup
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a spicy kick.
Classic Chili
Use navy beans as a base and add ground beef, chili powder, and diced tomatoes for a hearty chili.
Bean and Bacon Stew
Use diced bacon instead of a ham bone and include potatoes for a robust stew.
Creamy Bean Soup
After cooking, blend part of the soup for a creamy texture and stir in a splash of cream before serving.
