Grandma'S Navy Bean Soup
Grandma's Navy Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender navy beans, smoky ham hocks, and a flavorful blend of onions, carrots, and potatoes. Perfect for chilly days, it offers rich, smoky, and savory flavors that suit family gatherings and slow-paced weekends. A timeless classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak navy beans overnight in water to cover (2 inches above beans). Drain.
- Add 2 quarts of water, smoked ham hocks or leftover ham, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and diced onions to the soaked beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about three hours.
- After about one hour of simmering, add the chopped potatoes and carrots.
- When the vegetables are tender, remove and set aside to add before serving.
- After about two hours of cooking, the meat will loosen from the bones.
- Remove ham hocks, cut meat from bones into chunks, and return to the soup.
- Continue cooking until the beans are tender and the soup begins to thicken.
- Shortly before serving, add the cooked potatoes and carrots back to the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of smoked ham hocks and leftover ham. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked paprika and add some liquid smoke for depth. The beans can be soaked in a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar to enhance their texture. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top. A side of cornbread or crusty bread pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some Sizzling Cheese Squares for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Navy Bean Soup contains roughly 840 calories, with 11g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (153% of the Daily Value), potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1725mg per serving (75% 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 other types of beans for this recipe?
While navy beans are traditional, you can substitute other white beans like great northern or cannellini beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the beans are tender.
Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and can improve their digestibility. However, if you're short on time, you can use the quick soak method: bring the beans to a boil for two minutes, then let them sit covered for an hour before draining and proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the soup before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
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).