My Sister's Navy Bean Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, "My Sister's Navy Bean Soup" is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This timeless recipe combines tender dried navy beans, savory diced ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a fragrant chicken broth seasoned with thyme and bay leaf. The slow-cooking process ensures a rich and creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, while the option to garnish with fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this nourishing soup is a must-try for any home cook. Keywords: navy bean soup, ham and bean soup, hearty soups, bean recipes, comforting meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups diced ham
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and let soak overnight, or use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 5 minutes and letting them sit for an hour.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the beans, then set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the soaked beans, diced ham, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the navy beans are tender. If the soup becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or water as needed.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a cozy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3060.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2359.0

Total Fat 47.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 135mg	0%
Sodium 9942.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 325.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.6g	0%
Total Sugars 30.3g
Protein 168.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 994.5mg	0%
Iron 32.5mg	0%
Potassium 9786.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.8%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 54.1%