Maxine'S Navy Bean Soup
Maxine's Navy Bean Soup offers hearty comfort with tender beans and smoky ham, perfect for cozy family dinners or cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the navy beans and bring them to a hard boil.
- Remove from heat and let the beans sit for 1 hour.
- Add the ham bone and bay leaf to the beans.
- Cook until the beans are soft, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Add salt if needed to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the beans after cooking. If you don’t have a ham bone, diced ham or smoked turkey can be great alternatives. For added flavor, sauté some onions and garlic before adding them to the beans. Adjust the salt amount based on the saltiness of your ham, as some can be quite salty. This soup is reminiscent of other hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Maxine's Navy Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top can enhance the flavor. This soup pairs beautifully with other hearty dishes, such as Zippy Potato Soup or Hamburg Ivan, for a cozy dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maxine'S Navy Bean Soup contains roughly 138 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% 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 dried beans instead of soaking them?
Yes, you can use dried beans without soaking them, but they will take longer to cook. Just rinse them and add them directly to the pot with the ham bone and bay leaf. Expect to cook them for about 2 to 3 hours until they are tender.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding diced carrots, celery, or onions to the pot for added depth of flavor. You can also include spices like black pepper, thyme, or smoked paprika for a little kick. A splash of vinegar at the end can brighten the soup’s taste as well.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Maxine's Navy Bean Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
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).