Navy Bean And Ham Soup
Creamy navy bean and smoked ham soup with vegetables and herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings and hearty meals, suited for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- The night before, put navy beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and place them in a 4-quart crock-pot.
- Add 6 cups of water, chopped carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, garlic powder, minced onion, salt, ground white pepper, diced smoked ham, chicken bouillon cubes, and chopped chives to the crock-pot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or smoked paprika while cooking. If you don't have navy beans, great northern or cannellini beans can be suitable substitutes. You can also use leftover holiday ham or even a cooked sausage for a different twist. Adjust spices to your preference, enhancing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the navy bean and ham soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A simple side salad or steamed green vegetables can complement the dish nicely. This soup also pairs beautifully with Dottie'S Stuffed Bell Peppers for a heartier dinner spread, or you can enjoy it as a standalone dish packed with flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Navy Bean And Ham Soup contains roughly 474 calories, with 12g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg 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 navy beans instead of dried?
Yes, if you're short on time, you can use 3 cans of drained and rinsed navy beans. Add them during the last hour of cooking to heat through without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for chicken bouillon cubes?
You can use homemade chicken stock or broth in place of the bouillon cubes. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well too, enhancing the soup's flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the crock-pot to thicken it. Alternatively, adding a slurry of cornstarch and water can help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).