Introduction
Navy bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures the essence of traditional home cooking. Its rich flavor comes from a combination of simple ingredients, most notably navy beans and ham. This warming soup is perfect for chilly days and makes for a filling meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, navy bean soup is a classic that never goes out of style.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Navy beans: 1 pound (soaked overnight)
– Ham bone: 1 large (or thick-cut ham/bacon as substitutes)
– Onion: 1 medium, chopped
– Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
– Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
– Bay leaves: 2 (optional)
– Cloves: 2-3 whole (optional)
– Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (or equivalent garlic powder)
– Salt: to taste
– Pepper: to taste
– Water: enough to cover beans (about 8-10 cups) or chicken/vegetable broth
Prep Time
15 minutes for preparation, plus overnight soaking for the beans.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 24 hours (including soaking)
Yield: About 6-8 servings
This classic navy bean soup is sure to please a crowd and make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Enjoy the blending of flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Beans
Rinse the navy beans under cold water and place them in a large bowl. Cover the beans with fresh water and let them soak overnight.
Step 2: Drain and Transfer Beans
The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot.
Step 3: Add Ham Bone
Add the ham bone to the pot with the drained beans.
Step 4: Add Liquid
Pour in enough water (or broth) to cover the beans and the ham bone by about an inch.
Step 5: Add Bay Leaves and Cloves (Optional)
If using, tie the bay leaves and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and add them to the pot.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Garlic
Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot.
Step 7: Season the Soup
Season the mixture with salt and pepper based on your preference.
Step 8: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 9: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Step 10: Stir and Maintain Liquid Level
Stir the soup occasionally, adding more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Step 11: Remove Ham Bone
Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot.
Step 12: Add Meat Back to Soup (Optional)
If desired, remove any meat from the bone, chop it, and return it to the soup.
Step 13: Discard Bay Leaves and Cloves
Remove and discard the bay leaves and cloves from the soup.
Step 14: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 15: Serve Hot
Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Notes
Substitutions for Beans
If navy beans are not available, Great Northern beans make a suitable alternative.
Substitutes for Ham Bone
In the absence of a ham bone, thick-cut ham or bacon can be used to impart flavor.
Flavoring Options
You can experiment with additional vegetables for a chunkier soup or enhance the flavor using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Garlic Alternatives
If fresh garlic is not on hand, garlic powder can serve as a substitute, at approximately 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Cook techniques
Soaking Beans
Rinse navy beans and soak them in water overnight. This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
Building Flavor Base
Sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots together as the foundation for the soup’s flavor.
Simmering
Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the beans cook thoroughly.
Adjusting Consistency
Stir the soup occasionally and add more water or broth as necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Seasoning Adjustment
Taste the soup at the end of cooking and tweak the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
FAQ
Can I use other types of beans instead of navy beans?
Yes, Great Northern beans can be a suitable substitute for navy beans.
What if I can’t find a ham bone?
Thick-cut ham or bacon can be used as alternatives to a ham bone for flavoring the soup.
Can I leave out the bay leaves and cloves?
Yes, these ingredients are optional; they add depth but can be omitted if you prefer.
What kind of broth can I use?
You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for enhanced flavor in the soup.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This traditional navy bean soup, enriched by the savory ham bone and aromatic vegetables, offers a hearty and satisfying meal. The long simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Customize to your taste, and enjoy the depth of flavor each ingredient brings to the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Bean Soup
Swap the ham bone for a variety of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Replace navy beans with split peas and use diced ham as a substitute for the ham bone. This version provides a different texture while still delivering that comforting flavor.
Spicy Bean Soup
Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce some heat. Consider incorporating smoked paprika for an additional layer of flavor.
Bean and Sausage Soup
Substitute the ham bone with spicy or sweet Italian sausage. The sausage will infuse the soup with its flavorful oils and spices, giving it a delicious twist.
Creamy Bean Soup
At the end of cooking, blend a portion of the soup until smooth and stir it back into the pot. This will create a creamy texture without using dairy.
Herbed Bean Soup
Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the last 30 minutes of simmering for a bright and aromatic finish.
