Savor the comforting and timeless classic that is navy bean soup with ham. This hearty dish is perfect on those colder days when you need a warm and filling meal. Navy beans, simmered with aromatic herbs and flavorful ham hocks, make this dish an all-time favorite.
While most ingredients are commonly found in your pantry, one that might need a supermarket trip is the ham hocks. Smoked ham hocks provide a deep, savory flavor, essential for this recipe. Be sure to also pick up some fresh parsley and thyme for added aromatic depth.
Navy Bean Soup with Ham Ingredients
Navy beans: These small, white, oval-shaped beans are known for their mild flavor and smooth texture, perfect for hearty soups.
Parsley: A popular herb used for its fresh and slightly bitter flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Bay leaf: Brings a floral and slightly bitter flavor to the soup.
Ham hocks: Smoked ham hocks adds depth and a savory, smoky flavor.
Carrot: Adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Onion: Onions are foundational ingredients in many dishes, providing a sweet and savory flavor.
Garlic: Garlic adds a robust flavor.
Water: Used as a base for the soup.
Salt and Black pepper: Common seasonings to enhance the flavors.
One reader, Florette Emmons says:
This navy bean soup with ham recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the ham adds a delicious smokiness. The beans are perfectly tender, and the broth is so flavorful. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Making Navy Bean Soup With Ham
Soaking the beans: Soak the navy beans in cold water for at least 1 hour to soften them before cooking.
Preparing the ham hocks: After simmering the ham hocks with the beans and other ingredients, remove them from the pot and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the bones, fat, and skin, and chop the ham into small cubes.
Blending the beans: Transfer a portion of the cooked beans along with some cooking liquid into a blender and puree until smooth. This step helps thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
How To Make Navy Bean Soup with Ham
This bean soup recipe is easily made from scratch. Using smoked ham hocks give it a distinct meaty flavor. You can even store the broth for next time.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozdry navy beanspicked over, rinsed, and drained
- 10sprigsFresh Parsley
- 2sprigsfresh thymechopped
- 1bay leaf
- 2largesmoked ham hocks
- 1carrotcoarsely chopped
- 1onioncoarsely chopped
- 1clovegarliccoarsely chopped
- 8cupscold water
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to tasteto taste
Instructions
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Place navy beans into a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain beans.
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Use a small piece of kitchen twine to tie parsley and thyme sprigs and bay leaf into a small bundle.
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Place soaked beans, herb bundle, ham hocks, carrot, onion, and garlic into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
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Pour 8 cups cold water over ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until beans and ham hocks are tender, about 1½ hours.
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Turn off heat; remove ham hocks and let cool. When they are cool enough to handle, remove meat from the bones, discarding the bones, fat, and skin. Chop ham into small cubes. Remove and discard herb bundle.
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Transfer about 3 cups cooked beans along with some cooking liquid into a blender; puree beans.
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Pour pureed beans back into soup, add cooked ham, and bring back to a simmer over medium heat. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 456.49kcal
- Fat: 14.90g
- Saturated Fat: 4.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.46g
- Carbohydrates: 38.54g
- Fiber: 9.68g
- Sugar: 3.33g
- Protein: 43.75g
- Cholesterol: 86.35mg
- Sodium: 1174.48mg
- Calcium: 117.25mg
- Potassium: 1230.76mg
- Iron: 4.85mg
- Vitamin A: 74.15µg
- Vitamin C: 4.62mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Navy Bean Soup With Ham
When preparing the navy beans, it's important to remember that soaking them not only helps to reduce the cooking time but also makes them easier to digest. If you find yourself short on time, you can use the quick-soak method. Simply cover the beans with water, bring them to a boil, then let them sit covered for an hour. This method can cut down the soaking time significantly. Additionally, when pureeing the beans, make sure not to overdo it. You want to maintain some texture in the soup for a hearty and satisfying meal. Lastly, don't discard the ham hock bones immediately. You can simmer them a bit longer in the soup to extract more flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Navy Bean Soup With Ham Recipe
Prep ahead: Soak the navy beans overnight to cut down on cooking time the next day. You can also chop the vegetables and herbs in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a pressure cooker: Consider using a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the navy beans and ham hocks. This can cut the cooking time by more than half.
Quick release: If using a pressure cooker, utilize the quick release method to rapidly depressurize the cooker and speed up the overall cooking process.
Multitask: While the soup is simmering, use the time to prepare other components of your meal or to clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Efficient chopping: Practice efficient chopping techniques to speed up the prep work, such as the julienne, dice, and mince, to expedite the cooking process.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, organize all the ingredients and tools you need to avoid wasting time searching for items during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Navy Bean Soup with Ham Recipe
navy beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and flavor to navy beans, making them a suitable substitute for this soup recipe.
smoked ham hocks - Substitute with smoked turkey legs: Smoked turkey legs can provide a similar smoky flavor and richness to the soup as ham hocks, while offering a leaner alternative.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Navy Bean Soup With Ham
Elevate the plating: When presenting the navy bean soup with ham, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the soup, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to shine through.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley on top of the soup. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the soup. The sheen of the oil adds a touch of elegance and depth to the presentation.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the navy bean soup with a side of warm, crusty artisanal bread. This not only complements the dish but also adds a rustic and inviting element to the overall presentation.
Use a minimalistic approach: Embrace simplicity in presentation by focusing on clean lines and minimal clutter on the plate. This allows the rich colors of the soup and the ham to take center stage.
Consider the placement of the ham: When adding the chopped ham to the soup, strategically place it in the center, allowing it to be a focal point of the dish and creating an enticing visual appeal.
Opt for a classic plating style: Embrace a classic plating style by arranging the elements of the dish in a balanced and symmetrical manner, creating a sense of harmony and sophistication on the plate.
Enhance with a sprinkle of black pepper: Just before serving, add a delicate sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over the soup. This final touch not only adds a hint of spice but also enhances the overall presentation.
Storing and Freezing Navy Bean Soup With Ham
- Allow the navy bean soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.
- Frozen navy bean soup can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the refrigerated or frozen soup:
- If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or transfer it directly to a pot for reheating.
- Place the soup in a saucepan or pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Navy Bean Soup With Ham
Reheat the navy bean soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows for even heating and prevents the soup from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If the soup has thickened considerably during storage, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to thin it out while reheating. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer individual portions of the soup to microwave-safe bowls and heat on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
If you have leftover ham from the original recipe, dice it into small cubes and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of reheating to warm it through and infuse the soup with additional flavor.
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the reheated soup using an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender in small batches. This will create a smoother consistency while still retaining some whole beans for a hearty texture.
Serve the reheated navy bean soup with freshly chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Interesting Trivia About Navy Bean Soup With Ham
The navy bean soup with ham is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a nutritious and hearty dish that provides a good source of protein and fiber. This soup is also a great way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals, making it a thrifty and delicious option for any time of the year. Additionally, navy beans are a low-fat source of high-quality protein and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup not only tasty but also nutritious. Enjoying a warm bowl of navy bean soup with ham is a wonderful way to savor the flavors of a timeless recipe.
Is Making Navy Bean Soup With Ham Cost-Effective?
This navy bean soup with ham recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as navy beans and smoked ham hocks, are affordable and readily available. The dish yields a large quantity, making it suitable for feeding a family of four. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations, making it a practical and economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.
Is Navy Bean Soup With Ham Healthy?
The navy bean soup with ham recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to the use of ham hocks. Ham hocks are high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe does not include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the ham hocks with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or low-sodium chicken broth, to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the soup, such as adding diced celery, bell peppers, or leafy greens like spinach or kale, to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content
- Use a combination of water and low-sodium vegetable broth instead of just water to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt
- Experiment with adding whole grains, such as barley or quinoa, to the soup to increase the fiber and nutrient density
- Serve the soup with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to create a more balanced and satisfying meal
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Navy Bean Soup
The navy bean soup with ham recipe is a classic comfort dish that highlights the rich, smoky flavor of ham hocks and the earthy creaminess of navy beans. The use of fresh herbs adds a layer of aromatic complexity, while the pureed beans create a velvety texture. The recipe's method of simmering the ingredients allows for the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying soup. It's a timeless recipe that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
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Why trust this Navy Bean Soup with Ham Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a comforting and flavorful navy bean soup with ham. The use of fresh herbs and smoked ham hocks infuses the soup with rich and aromatic flavors. The slow simmering process allows the navy beans to become tender and creamy, creating a satisfying texture. The addition of pureed beans adds depth and body to the soup, while the chopped ham provides a delightful smoky and savory element. Trust in the traditional cooking methods and quality ingredients to deliver a hearty and delicious soup that will surely impress your taste buds.
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