Hearty Navy Bean Soup
Hearty navy bean soup offers comforting flavors with tender beans, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the navy beans.
- Cover the beans with cold water and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in a large kettle or Dutch oven.
- Add the chopped tomatoes with juice, chopped onion, diced ham or ham hock, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Add more water if necessary during cooking.
- Remove the ham hock, take the meat off, and return it to the soup, or leave the ham in the soup.
- Heat through and serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering or smoked paprika for a smoky touch. If you don't have navy beans, great northern or cannellini beans can work as substitutes. You can also use leftover turkey or chicken instead of ham for a different flavor profile. Serve with crusty bread for a filling meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty navy bean soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Jean'S Real Rice. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Navy Bean Soup contains roughly 383 calories, with 18g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (239% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 820mg per serving (36% 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 navy beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking steps, and add the beans in the last 20 minutes of simmering. This will prevent them from becoming mushy.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
What can I serve with navy bean soup?
Navy bean soup is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. You might also enjoy it alongside Ruiz'S Specialty Oven Chicken And Linguine for a heartier meal.
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).