Navy Bean Soup with Ham Recipe

Navy Bean Soup with Ham is a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for cooler days. This classic dish combines tender navy beans, smoky ham, and a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and vegetables. It’s simple to make and is a great way to use up leftover ham. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked (see below)
• 1 lb ham, diced (or use a ham bone for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste (depending on the saltiness of your ham)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin for a subtle earthy flavor

For Serving:

• Crusty bread or cornbread
• Crackers or salad on the side

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Soak the navy beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Drain and rinse them before using. If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak: bring the beans to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Beans

1. Add the diced ham (or ham bone) to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the drained navy beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded. If using a ham bone, remove it, shred the ham off the bone, and return the ham to the pot.

Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Serve the Navy Bean Soup with Ham hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, and pair it with crusty bread or cornbread.

Cooking Notes

• Ham Bone: If you have a leftover ham bone, it adds extra flavor and richness to the soup. Simply remove the bone after simmering, shred the ham from it, and return the ham to the soup.
• Broth: Chicken broth is ideal for a richer flavor, but you can use water or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter soup.

Variations

1. Smoky Navy Bean Soup

Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the soup for a smoky flavor that complements the ham.

2. Spicy Navy Bean Soup

Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables for some heat.

3. Creamy Navy Bean Soup

For a creamier texture, puree about 1 cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot, or add a splash of heavy cream before serving.

4. Vegetable-Loaded Navy Bean Soup

Add extra vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to increase the nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned navy beans?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use 2-3 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce the cooking time to 20-30 minutes since the beans are already cooked.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze navy bean soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, except the olive oil and parsley. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have ham?
If you don’t have ham, you can substitute with bacon, smoked sausage, or even turkey ham for a different flavor.

This Navy Bean Soup with Ham is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for using leftover ham or ham bone. With tender beans, smoky ham, and a flavorful broth, it’s a classic dish that’s easy to make and ideal for cold days. Serve it with bread for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy!