Navy Bean Soup with Ham
Navy bean soup with ham is a classic comfort food that is perfect for chilly days. This hearty soup combines tender navy beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The rich flavors and creamy texture of this soup make it a favorite among many.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ham, diced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the navy beans and remove any debris. Soak the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
2. In a large soup pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the soaked navy beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree about half of the soup, leaving some whole beans for texture.
6. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
8. Serve the navy bean soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup!
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to prepare, including soaking time for the beans.