Navy Bean Soup with Ham is a dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, perfect for those chilly days when you just want to feel cozy at home. I fondly remember the first time I made this soup; it was a rainy afternoon, and I was looking for something heartwarming to enjoy. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the beans cooked infused memories of family gatherings, laughter, and love. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. I believe that when you cook with love and intention, every bite tells a story.
Let’s dive into the process of preparing Navy Bean Soup with Ham.
Total time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cost: Approximately $10
Servings: 4 to 6
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: About 300 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Navy Bean Soup with Ham:
- 1 cup dried navy beans: The star of the dish! They give this soup its creamy texture and make it hearty.
- 4 cups water: Essential for cooking the beans and creating a comforting broth.
- 1 cup diced ham: Adds a wonderful savory flavor that complements the beans beautifully.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to our soup.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds a touch of color and a slight sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Provides a lovely crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic boost we all need for flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are vital for enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes the dish look beautiful and adds brightness.
Personal note: A little trick I learned is to soak the beans overnight; it helps them cook faster and ensures they are nice and tender.
Steps to prepare Navy Bean Soup with Ham:
1. Soak the Beans
- Rinse the 1 cup dried navy beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. This step is crucial as it helps to soften the beans, ensuring they cook evenly. After soaking, drain them and set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients
- In a large pot, combine the soaked beans and 4 cups water. This is where we start building the foundation of our soup.
3. Add Flavor
- Add in the 1 cup diced ham, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), and the 1 bay leaf to the pot. The combination of these ingredients will create a beautiful aroma as they cook together.
4. Cook the Soup
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, and you’ll know it’s ready when the beans are tender.
5. Season and Serve
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving! Ladle the soup hot into bowls and, if you like, garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
Why I love making this dish
This Navy Bean Soup with Ham holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my childhood. It’s a comforting dish often made by my grandmother during family gatherings. Each bowl carries my family history, and I love sharing this with my loved ones, especially when the weather gets chilly. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect warmth and love through food.
What you’ll need:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Step-by-step guide to preparing Navy Bean Soup with Ham:
- First, rinse and soak your navy beans overnight—trust me, this step is key to properly softening them.
- Next, combine the soaked beans with 4 cups of water in a large pot.
- Add diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, and a bay leaf.
- Bring this lovely mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper, then lovingly remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips for the best results:
- For an extra depth of flavor, you might consider sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery a few minutes before adding the other ingredients!
Serving suggestions:
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. You could also consider serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.
What to pair Navy Bean Soup with:
Try pairing this soup with a light, citrusy salad or a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
What to do with leftovers:
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove, adding a little extra water if it has thickened.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use canned beans instead? While I recommend dried beans for the best texture, you can use canned beans. Just skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time.
- Is this soup freezer-friendly? Absolutely! You can freeze it in individual portions for those busy days when you need a quick meal.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! You can omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
As you can see, making Navy Bean Soup with Ham is not only straightforward but also fulfilling. I encourage you to try it and feel the warmth it brings—both in your belly and your heart. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Wrap yourself in its comforting embrace and savor every spoonful. Happy cooking!
Navy Bean Soup with Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried navy beans The star of the dish! They give this soup its creamy texture.
- 4 cups water Essential for cooking the beans and creating a comforting broth.
- 1 cup diced ham Adds a wonderful savory flavor that complements the beans.
- 1 large onion, chopped Brings sweetness and depth to our soup.
- 2 medium carrots, diced Adds color and slight sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, diced Provides a lovely crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced The aromatic boost we need for flavor.
- 1 leaf bay leaf Infuses the soup with subtle depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Vital for enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional) Makes the dish look beautiful and adds brightness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight.
- In a large pot, combine the soaked beans and water.
- Add diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup hot into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.