This Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is a soul-warming dish that combines tender navy beans, savory ham, and a rich broth. The vegetables add an extra burst of flavor and texture, making each spoonful satisfying and filling.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this hearty soup can also be prepped ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you have a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ham bone with meat still attached
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2 cups dried navy beans, rinsed
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8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 carrots, peeled and sliced
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Rinse the navy beans thoroughly and set aside.
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In a large pot, add the ham bone and cover with broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
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Remove the ham bone from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bone and add the shredded ham back to the pot.
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Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. One of the most satisfying soups to enjoy on a cold day is Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup. This classic dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for both family dinners and meal prep. Its rich, hearty nature comes from the combination of navy beans, ham, and vegetables, creating a wholesome and balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish to serve on a weeknight or need a filling soup to feed a crowd, this recipe is a winner every time.
A Classic Comfort Food
Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup has been a staple in many homes for generations. It’s a perfect example of a dish that combines simple ingredients to create something incredibly delicious. The base of the soup consists of navy beans, which are small but mighty in their ability to absorb flavor. The ham bone is the star of the show, infusing the broth with a deep, savory richness. Combined with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup becomes a satisfying and nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
The beauty of Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup lies in its simplicity. Unlike many other soups that require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare and accessible for home cooks of all levels. Whether you choose to make it on the stove or in a slow cooker, the result is always the same: a comforting, flavorful soup that will leave you coming back for seconds.
Nutritional Benefits of Navy Beans
Navy beans are the heart of this soup, providing not only a rich flavor but also several health benefits. These beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. One cup of navy beans contains around 15 grams of protein, making it a filling ingredient that helps to keep you satisfied for longer.
In addition to protein, navy beans are packed with fiber. A high-fiber diet can support digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol. By incorporating beans into your meals, you’re not only boosting the flavor of your soup but also enhancing its nutritional value.
Navy beans are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, supporting everything from heart health to immune function.
The Savory Flavor of Ham Bone
The ham bone is another key ingredient in this soup that contributes to its deep, savory flavor. As the ham bone simmers in the broth, it releases a smoky, meaty taste that infuses the entire soup. The meat attached to the bone also adds a rich texture to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
One of the great things about using a ham bone is that it’s a budget-friendly way to make the most out of leftover ham. After a holiday meal or family gathering, you can save the ham bone and use it to create a delicious soup, minimizing food waste while stretching your ingredients further.
The fat in the ham bone helps to give the soup a rich, mouthwatering texture. However, if you prefer a leaner soup, you can remove excess fat before serving, ensuring that the soup remains flavorful without being overly greasy.
Customizing Your Soup
While the classic recipe for Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is delicious on its own, it’s also highly customizable. You can add or subtract vegetables based on what you have in your kitchen or what’s in season. For example, you might consider adding potatoes for extra heartiness, or spinach and kale for a burst of green. These additions will enhance the nutritional profile of the soup while still preserving the integrity of the dish.
For a spicier version, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder soup, feel free to omit the spices and focus on the savory depth of the ham and beans.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, you can easily omit the ham bone and instead use vegetable broth or a mushroom-based broth for added umami. You can also replace the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh to keep the smoky flavor while making the soup suitable for plant-based diets.
Serving Suggestions
Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup. A simple green salad with lemon dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the soup’s deep flavors.
For a more indulgent experience, you can also serve this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of hot soup and melty cheese makes for a perfect pairing that both kids and adults will love.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, this soup can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd. Simply double or triple the ingredients, and serve the soup in large bowls with plenty of fresh bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is the perfect dish for meal prep. The flavors only improve as it sits, meaning you can make a large batch and enjoy it over several days. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days, and the leftovers can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, simply add a little extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
This soup is also a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat, making it an easy solution for meals throughout the week. For an even quicker option, consider using a slow cooker. Set it up in the morning, and by the time you’re ready for dinner, you’ll have a warm and flavorful meal waiting for you.
A Perfect Comfort Food for All Seasons
While Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is particularly great for colder months, it can be enjoyed year-round. The depth of flavor makes it a comforting dish during the winter, but the lightness of the beans and vegetables ensures that it won’t feel too heavy during the warmer months. Whether you serve it for a holiday feast or as a weeknight dinner, this soup brings comfort and joy to every table.
Conclusion
Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition that brings families together around the table. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s the kind of dish that can be passed down through generations. The combination of navy beans, ham, and vegetables creates a hearty, nutritious, and filling soup that satisfies both the body and the soul.
This recipe is versatile, easily customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or prepping for the week ahead, this soup will always hit the spot. By incorporating nutrient-rich beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, you can enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. So, next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, give Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!