Stormy Day Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting navy bean soup with smoky ham flavors, perfect for rainy days and gatherings. Rich, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the navy beans thoroughly.
- Combine beans and water in a large pot and bring to a boil; boil gently for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour or soak overnight.
- Add the soaked beans, ham bone, cooked ham, onion, celery, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, adding water if necessary.
- Remove the ham bone from the soup.
- Trim the meat from the ham bone and add it back into the soup.
- Season to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. You can substitute navy beans with great northern beans or black beans if preferred. If you don't have a ham bone, use smoked sausage for a similar flavor, or try adding a splash of liquid smoke for depth. This soup can also be spiced up with a pinch of cayenne or added herbs like thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, consider serving it alongside Baked Pork Chops With Rice for a satisfying dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stormy Day Bean Soup contains roughly 94 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and ham bone. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and include smoked paprika to mimic the smoky taste. You can also add more vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers for extra nutrition.
How do I know when the beans are cooked properly?
The beans are cooked properly when they are tender and creamy inside. After simmering for 2 to 3 hours, check them periodically; if they hold their shape but can be easily mashed with a fork, they are ready. If they are still hard, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, soak the beans overnight, then drain and add them to the cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
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).