Navy Bean Soup(My Way)
A hearty, comforting navy bean soup with smoky ham, bold hot sauce, and optional jalapeno juice, perfect for satisfying cold days and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Look over navy beans, discarding halves, discolored ones, and stones.
- In a large soup pot, cover beans with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Turn off heat, let stand for 1 hour, then drain and rinse the beans.
- Add water, chicken broth, beef broth, chopped onions, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Remove a cup of beans and liquid, mash them, and return to the pot.
- Mix flour and melted butter, then add to the soup along with ham cubes.
- Stir well and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
- Add hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If desired, spike each serving with a tablespoon of juice from jar of hot jalapeno slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For creamier soup, consider blending a portion of the beans instead of mashing them. If you want to add more flavor, using homemade chicken broth instead of canned can elevate the dish significantly. You can also substitute navy beans with cannellini or great northern beans if needed. Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Navy Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Succotash Stew. A sprinkle of cheese can also enhance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Navy Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Navy Bean Soup(My Way) contains roughly 170 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1297mg per serving (56% 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 canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried navy beans for this recipe. Just remember to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans will take longer to cook. The soaking process helps to soften the beans, resulting in a better texture in your soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make Navy Bean Soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham cubes and substitute the chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth. This way, you can maintain a rich flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the soup's flavor by adding herbs such as thyme or bay leaves during cooking. Additionally, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors. Consider mixing in some smoked paprika for a smoky undertone without using ham.
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).