Blender Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting navy bean soup enriched with ham, carrots, and aromatics, perfect for cozy gatherings and flavorful family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place about one-third of the dry beans in a blender container; blend until chopped. Remove and repeat until all beans are chopped.
- Place carrots in the blender; cover with water and blend until coarsely chopped. Drain the carrots.
- Combine the chopped beans, carrots, 2 quarts water, ham bone, salt, pepper, and bay leaf in a large kettle.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours, adding the onion in the last hour of cooking.
- Remove the ham bone and bay leaf from the soup.
- Add about one-third of the bean mixture at a time to the blender; blend at low speed until nearly smooth.
- Cut the ham off the bone and add it to the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the blended soup. If you're out of navy beans, great substitutes include cannellini or pinto beans. You can also add diced celery or bell peppers for extra flavor. Adjust the salt according to your taste, especially if using a salty ham bone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Ed'S Green Beans or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blender Bean Soup contains roughly 171 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1120mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Use about 3 cans, rinsed and drained, and skip the soaking and initial blending steps. Simply combine them with the other ingredients and simmer until heated through.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that depth of flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water and consider adding diced mushrooms for an earthy taste.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced potatoes, kale, or spinach during the last hour of cooking. This will enhance the nutritional value and add more texture to your soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).