Navy Bean Soup with Ham

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Are you craving a warm and comforting meal that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas?

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Navy Bean Soup with Ham
Prep
20 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Total
2 hr 50 min
Servings
8

Method

  1. In a large pot, place navy beans and cover them with several inches of cold water.

  2. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let the beans stand for 1 hour. Then, drain and rinse the beans.

  4. Use a small piece of kitchen twine to tie together parsley, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf, creating a small bundle.

  5. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked beans, herb bundle, ham hocks, carrot, onion, and garlic.

  6. Pour in 8 cups of cold water.

  7. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer until the beans and ham hocks are tender, which takes about 1 1/2 hours.

  8. Turn off the heat and allow the ham hocks to cool.

  9. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the bones, fat, and skin.

  10. Chop the ham into small cubes.

  11. Remove and discard the herb bundle.

  12. Transfer about 3 cups of the cooked beans along with some of the cooking liquid into a blender. Puree the beans until smooth.

  13. Pour the pureed beans back into the soup pot.

About this recipe

Are you craving a warm and comforting meal that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas? Look no further than navy bean soup with ham. This classic dish is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, navy bean soup with ham is a winner every time.

The Perfect Combination: Navy Beans and Ham

When it comes to creating a delicious and hearty soup, the combination of navy beans and ham is hard to beat. Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are small white beans that have a creamy texture and a mild flavor. They are the perfect base for a soup as they absorb flavors from other ingredients, making each spoonful burst with taste.

Adding ham to the navy bean soup takes the flavors to a whole new level. The smoky and savory flavor of the ham complements the creaminess of the beans, creating a harmonious blend that will leave you wanting more.

A Simmering Pot of Goodness

Creating navy bean soup with ham is a breeze. Simply start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until they are soft and fragrant. Next, add the navy beans and ham, along with some flavorful herbs and spices. Fill the pot with water or broth and let it simmer gently for a few hours.

As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a rich and satisfying broth. The beans become tender and creamy, while the ham imparts its delicious smoky essence throughout the soup. The result is a comforting bowl of goodness that will warm you from the inside out.

Versatility at Its Finest

One of the best things about navy bean soup with ham is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. If you're looking to make it heartier, toss in some cooked pasta or rice.

Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. The beauty of navy bean soup with ham is that it welcomes creativity and experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your liking.

In Conclusion

Navy bean soup with ham is a delightful dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and endless customization options, it's a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a delicious bowl of comfort.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use canned beans instead of dried navy beans?

Indeed! While using dried navy beans is traditional, you can certainly use canned beans to save time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

. How long does navy bean soup with ham last in the refrigerator?

If stored in an airtight container, navy bean soup with ham can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

. Can I freeze navy bean soup with ham?

Absolutely! Navy bean soup with ham freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

. What can I serve with navy bean soup with ham?

Navy bean soup with ham pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. It's a complete meal on its own, but these accompaniments add an extra touch of deliciousness.

. Can I make navy bean soup with ham in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Making navy bean soup with ham in a slow cooker is a convenient option. Simply follow the recipe as usual and cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

. Can I substitute the ham with bacon?

While the flavor profile will be slightly different, you can certainly substitute ham with bacon if you prefer. Just cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into the soup before serving.

. How can I make navy bean soup with ham vegetarian?

If you're looking to make a vegetarian version of navy bean soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.

. Can I use a different type of bean in this soup?

While navy beans are traditionally used in this soup, you can experiment with other beans like cannellini beans or great northern beans. The flavors may vary slightly, but the result will still be a delicious and satisfying soup.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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