Embark on a flavor journey with this comforting Navy Bean Soup, a dish that feels like a warm hug on chilly evenings. Combining savory ham, tender navy beans, and a fragrant mix of herbs and vegetables, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it to simmer and enjoy the rich flavors developing while you go about your day.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water (for soaking beans)
- 1 lb dried navy beans (16 oz), rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- ½ lb cooked ham, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups water (additional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the dried navy beans under cool water, ensuring they are clean. In a large stockpot, add the beans and 6 cups of water. Set aside to soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients in the Stockpot: In the pot with the soaked beans, add diced tomatoes, cubed ham, chopped onion, and celery. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chicken bouillon cube, parsley, garlic powder, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for Depth of Flavor: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 2 hours. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld, and the beans to soften beautifully, creating a rich broth infused with the smokiness of ham and fresh notes of celery and garlic.
- Add Final Ingredients: After 2 hours, stir in the additional 3 cups of water, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste. Cover and continue to simmer on low heat for another 2 hours, allowing the beans to soak up even more flavor from the broth.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, either on its own or with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
Nutritional Highlights and Health Benefits
Each serving of this navy bean soup offers around 236 calories, making it a light yet filling meal. With approximately 16 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, this soup is not only hearty but also nutritionally rewarding. It’s rich in potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, supporting digestion, muscle function, and immune health—ideal for those looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Whether serving a warm meal for loved ones or enjoying a cozy night in, this Navy Bean Soup embodies the heart of home cooking. The blend of navy beans and ham, combined with herbs and vegetables, creates a deeply satisfying flavor that invites you to savor each bite. Serve it with a rustic loaf, and let the comforting flavors take you to a place of relaxation and warmth. This soup is more than a recipe; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals.
