When it gets colder and the days get shorter, a warm bowl of Navy Bean Soup is just what you need. This dish has been a favorite for over a century, especially in the U.S. Senate restaurants. It’s filled with flavors from ham, veggies, and herbs, making it ideal for cold days.
Navy beans turn tender and creamy when cooked, making the soup rich and fulfilling. You can make this recipe on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or slow cooker. It’s great for busy nights or relaxing weekends. Plus, it’s even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Bean Soup is a comforting, affordable, and delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
- This hearty soup is packed with flavor from the ham, vegetables, and herbs.
- The recipe can be made on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in the slow cooker.
- Navy beans become tender and creamy when simmered, creating a rich and satisfying soup.
- The soup tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option.
What is Navy Bean Soup?
Navy bean soup is a classic dish loved for generations. It’s made with tender navy beans, giving it a creamy texture. These small, oval-shaped beans are full of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Delicious and Nutritious Comfort Food
Navy bean soup is a traditional comfort food, dating back to the early 20th century. It was first popular in the U.S. Senate restaurants. This soup is perfect for a cold day, with its rich flavor and creamy texture.
This soup is not only comforting but also very nutritious. A serving has a lot of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s a great choice for a cozy dinner or a filling lunch.
“Navy bean soup is the best! My family loves it, and we often have it for dinner. It’s such a comforting and budget-friendly meal.”
Ingredients for Navy Bean Soup
To make a hearty navy bean soup, you need a few key ingredients. The main ingredient is navy beans. These small, white beans are packed with nutrients and make the soup creamy. You’ll also need:
- Onion, carrots, and celery – these add depth of flavor
- A leftover ham bone, ham hock, or chopped ham – for rich, savory notes
- Water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth – to create the soup’s liquid foundation
- Bay leaves, black pepper, and red pepper flakes – for seasoning
- Olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables
- Salt – to be added at the end, to taste
- Optional garnishes: lemon wedges and fresh parsley
With these navy bean soup ingredients, you can make a hearty, flavorful soup. The soup combines tender beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory meat. It’s both comforting and nutritious.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1 pound |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Carrots, diced | 3 medium |
| Celery, diced | 1/4 cup |
| Smoked ham hock or chopped ham | 1 pound |
| Water or low-sodium broth | 8 cups |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon wedges and parsley (optional garnishes) | As desired |
With these navy bean soup ingredients, you’re on your way to a comforting and flavorful bean soup recipe. It’s sure to satisfy.
Preparing the Navy Beans
Before we can dive into the delicious navy bean soup recipe, it’s important to properly prepare the dried navy beans. This simple step ensures the beans cook evenly and develop a creamy, satisfying texture.
Sorting, Rinsing, and Soaking
Start by sorting through the dried navy beans, carefully inspecting each one to remove any small stones or debris that may have made their way into the bag. Once you’ve sorted the beans, give them a thorough rinse under cool running water to remove any dust or dirt.
Now it’s time to soak the beans. There are two methods you can use: an overnight soak or a quick soak. For the overnight soak, simply place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them sit at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. For the quick soak method, bring the beans and water to a boil in a large pot, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
Whichever soaking method you choose, be sure to drain and rinse the beans again before adding them to your navy bean soup recipe. Soaking helps to reduce the cooking time and results in a creamier texture.
| Preparation Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Sorting and Rinsing Beans | 15 minutes |
| Overnight Soaking | 8-12 hours |
| Quick Soaking | 1 hour |
By taking the time to properly prepare the navy beans, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, flavorful soup that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe: Stovetop Method
Making a classic stovetop navy bean soup is easy and rewarding. This homemade navy bean soup recipe lets you make a cozy, tasty dish at home. Just follow these steps for a delicious classic navy bean soup on the stovetop.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Add the rinsed navy beans, ham bone or hock, bay leaves, and enough water or broth to cover the beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, until the beans are very tender.
- Remove the ham bone, if using. Use a potato masher or fork to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt as needed.
- Serve the navy bean soup hot, garnished with lemon and parsley if desired.
Simmering the beans and vegetables together on the stovetop makes a rich, flavorful soup. The mashed beans thicken the broth, making it comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this classic navy bean soup recipe for a delicious and nourishing meal.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe: Instant Pot Method
Craving a heartwarming and comforting soup? This instant pot navy bean soup is perfect! It’s filled with nutrient-rich navy beans, fresh veggies, and tasty seasonings. This pressure cooker navy bean soup is easy to make in your Instant Pot. Let’s explore the easy navy bean soup recipe that will become a family favorite.
To begin, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. This step enhances the flavors of the veggies, making the soup delicious.
- Next, add the rinsed navy beans, a ham shank or meaty ham bone, and bay leaves to the pot. Use 7-8 cups of water or low-sodium broth to cover everything.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally after cooking.
- Remove the lid carefully and mash some beans against the pot’s side with a potato masher or fork. This thickens the soup and makes it creamy.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to taste.
Serve the instant pot navy bean soup hot. Add a squeeze of lemon and some fresh parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy it with crusty bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
This pressure cooker navy bean soup is not only tasty but also easy to make. Your Instant Pot makes it quick to enjoy a comforting and nutritious bowl of soup. Try this easy navy bean soup and enjoy the cozy flavors of this classic comfort food.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe: Slow Cooker Method
I love navy bean soup, and the slow cooker method is my favorite way to make it. It’s easy and lets the flavors grow rich without much work. Here’s how to make a delicious slow cooker navy bean soup that will make you feel cozy.
- Put all the important ingredients in your slow cooker: 1 pound of navy beans, 1 chopped onion, 4 sliced carrots, 3 diced celery stalks, 1 cubed ham steak, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 6 cups of unsalted chicken broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours. This makes the beans tender.
- After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Use a potato masher or fork to mash some beans against the sides. This thickens the crockpot navy bean soup.
- Check the soup’s taste and add salt if you like.
- Put the hot easy navy bean soup in bowls. Add lemon juice and parsley for extra flavor.
This slow cooker method blends flavors perfectly, making a slow cooker navy bean soup full of warmth. It’s great for any meal, big or small.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 344 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 571 mg |
| Potassium | 1456 mg |
| Fiber | 17 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 7158 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 167 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
This slow cooker navy bean soup recipe is perfect for busy days. It cooks for 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. The slow cooking makes the flavors rich and the soup nourishing. Share it with your family and enjoy the warmth, even on mild days.
“There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade navy bean soup to warm the soul on a chilly day. The slow cooker method makes this dish an absolute breeze to prepare.”
navy bean soup recipe
Navy bean soup is a classic dish that warms the soul. It’s easy to make and has a great mix of flavors. From the tender beans to the savory ham and veggies, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Letting the beans simmer makes them creamy and flavorful. Adding a ham bone or leftover ham boosts the taste. You can make it on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or slow cooker, making it easy and flexible.
Ingredients for Navy Bean Soup
- 16 ounces of dry navy beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 pound of smoked ham shank
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 4 cups of water
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these ingredients, you can make a hearty navy bean soup that warms you up.
“This navy bean soup recipe is a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.”
The prep and cooking time for this navy bean soup is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It’s great because you can cook it on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or slow cooker. It’s perfect for any day.
This navy bean soup recipe has a 4.91 out of 5 rating from 52 votes. It’s loved for its tender beans, savory ham, and flavorful veggies. With 538 calories per serving, it’s a filling and tasty meal.
Serving and Storing Navy Bean Soup
Once your navy bean soup is ready, it’s time to serve it. This hearty dish is great on its own. But, adding the right sides can make it even better.
Delicious Accompaniments
Start with a warm cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw also add a nice contrast.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped parsley. The citrus and herbs will enhance the soup’s savory taste.
When how to serve navy bean soup, you can get creative. Try different toppings and sides to find your favorite.
For what to serve with navy bean soup, you have many choices. From bread to salads, the right sides can turn your soup into a full meal.
Remember, storing navy bean soup is easy. You can keep it in the fridge for a week or freeze it for 3 months. It’s a great choice for meal planning.
“A steaming hot bowl of navy bean soup, paired with a crusty loaf of bread, is the epitome of comfort food perfection.”
Variations and Substitutions
I love trying new things with this navy bean soup recipe. For a veggie version, I skip the ham and use veggie broth or water. Adding mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or squash boosts nutrition and taste.
When I’m out of navy beans, Great Northern beans are a great swap. They’re mild and big, perfect for stews and chilis. I’ve also tried beef cubes, shredded chicken, and meat substitutes for a different flavor.
Customizing my navy bean soup always makes it a satisfying meal. The creamy texture of navy beans is key. With a bit of creativity, you can make it your own in many ways!
FAQ
What is Navy Bean Soup?
Navy bean soup is a tasty and healthy dish. It’s made with navy beans, veggies, and sometimes ham or smoked meat. The navy beans become soft and creamy, making the soup a filling meal.
What Ingredients are needed for Navy Bean Soup?
You’ll need dry navy beans, onion, carrots, and celery. Also, leftover ham bone or chopped ham, water or broth, and spices like bay leaves and black pepper.
How do I Prepare the Navy Beans?
First, sort, rinse, and soak the navy beans. You can soak them overnight or use the quick soak method. This makes the beans tender and creamy.
How do I Make Navy Bean Soup on the Stovetop?
Start by sautéing the veggies. Then, add the beans and other ingredients. Simmer for 1.5 hours until the beans are tender. Use a masher or fork to thicken the soup.
How do I Make Navy Bean Soup in the Instant Pot?
Sauté the veggies, then add the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. After a natural release, mash some beans to thicken.
How do I Make Navy Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker?
Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Mash some beans to thicken the soup.
How do I Serve and Store Navy Bean Soup?
Enjoy navy bean soup with cornbread, bread, or a green salad. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer.
Can I Customize Navy Bean Soup?
Yes, you can make navy bean soup your own. For a veggie version, skip the ham and use veg broth. Add mushrooms, spinach, or squash for more flavor and nutrition.