Homemade Navy Bean Soup: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of navy bean soup. It’s a classic dish, enjoyed for generations, and for good reason. Navy bean soup is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, especially on a chilly evening. This simple soup is packed with nutritious beans and vegetables, making it a healthy and budget-friendly meal the whole family can enjoy. From humble beginnings as a staple in the U.S. Navy to a beloved comfort food in homes across the country, navy bean soup offers a taste of tradition and a wholesome, filling meal. For other bean-based recipes, check out these white bean and salami toasts.

Why this Navy Bean Soup is Special

This navy bean soup recipe stands out because it’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. We’ll build a rich, savory broth with simple aromatics and enhance it with a touch of smoky ham. The result is a creamy, delicious soup that’s both comforting and convenient. You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 cup dried navy beans, rinsed (or 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked ham (optional, omit for vegetarian version)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing the Best Navy Beans

Dried navy beans are ideal for this soup as they absorb the flavors beautifully while cooking. However, canned navy beans work well in a pinch if you’re short on time. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup. Look for plump, uniform dried beans or firm, intact canned beans for the best results.

Making the Navy Bean Soup

This navy bean soup is easy to make, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can also adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Check out our guide on slow cooker corned beef and cabbage for inspiration.

Soaking the Beans (Optional)

Soaking dried navy beans isn’t strictly necessary, but it does help them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. To soak the beans, simply cover them with cold water and let them sit overnight, or for at least 8 hours. For a quicker soak, add the beans to a pot, cover with plenty of water, bring to a boil, and then let them sit for 1 hour. Drain the beans before using. This quick-soak method is perfect when you’re short on time but still want the benefits of soaking.

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step, called sautéing, helps develop the flavors of the vegetables and creates a flavorful foundation for the soup. Next, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. The garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the soup with wonderful savory notes.

Simmering the Soup to Perfection

Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, rinsed navy beans, and optional ham to the pot. If using dried beans (soaked or unsoaked), you may need to add extra broth or water to ensure they are fully covered.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Soaked beans will cook faster than unsoaked beans.

For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.

Return the blended portion to the pot and stir to combine. This will give the soup a richer, creamier texture. For more information on the health benefits of beans, visit this external resource on the healthiest beans and legumes.

Seasoning and Adjusting the Flavor

Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Remember that the ham, if using, will add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This is your chance to customize the soup and make it your own. Looking for more hearty soup recipes? This Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is another flavorful option.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best navy bean soup:

• For a thicker soup: Simmer the soup uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
• If the soup becomes too thick: Add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Don’t add salt until the end of cooking: Salt can toughen the beans, so it’s best to add it towards the end of the cooking time.
• Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.

Adding Smoked Meats for a Hearty Flavor

For a richer, smokier flavor, try adding smoked meats to your navy bean soup. A smoked ham hock, a few slices of bacon, or some chopped smoked sausage will add depth and complexity. If using a ham hock, add it to the pot with the beans and broth. Remove it after the beans are tender, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. For bacon or sausage, cook it until crispy before adding the other vegetables to the pot. The rendered fat will add even more flavor to the soup. If you’re interested in learning more about smoked meats, check out this helpful article about whether or not smoked meat is healthy.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

To make a vegetarian navy bean soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly and omit the ham. You can enhance the flavor with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note or add a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. A dollop of vegan sour cream or plain unsweetened almond yogurt makes a delicious topping.

Making it in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

For slow cooker navy bean soup, sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender. For Instant Pot navy bean soup, sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes for soaked beans or 45 minutes for unsoaked beans, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Looking for other Instant Pot recipes? Try this Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage.

Nutritional Information

Navy bean soup is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a healthy and satisfying meal option. A one-cup serving provides a significant amount of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied.

Navy beans are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. This soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and potassium.

Iron is important for healthy blood, while folate is crucial for cell growth and development. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall health.

Enjoy a bowl of this nutritious soup as part of a balanced diet. Portion sizes will vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but a typical serving is around one to two cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving and Storing

Navy bean soup is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it even further. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Cornbread is another classic pairing that complements the soup’s savory flavors.

A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a touch of freshness. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Proper storage helps maintain the soup’s flavor and prevents bacterial growth. For tips on storing other soups, you can read about how long to keep homemade soup in the fridge.

Freezing and Reheating

Navy bean soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can make the beans mushy.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade navy bean soup. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic dish. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly evening and provide your family with a nutritious and flavorful meal. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and any variations you create in the comments below! Happy cooking!