If you’re on the hunt for a soul-soothing, comforting bowl of goodness, look no further than this Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender ham, creamy navy beans, and a bouquet of herbs and veggies that come together in a rich, flavorful broth. This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, with every spoonful delivering layers of satisfying taste and hearty texture that will keep you cozy and nourished.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients combine effortlessly in this recipe, each playing an important role in creating a deeply flavorful and satisfyingly textured soup. From the richness of olive oil and butter to the smoky embrace of ham and fresh herbs, every component adds to the magic.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, subtle richness and helps sauté the onion perfectly.
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings a silky finish to the base flavors, enhancing depth.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 2 cups ham (diced, about two 8 oz. ham steaks): The star ingredient that infuses smoky, meaty flavor.
- 2 cups carrots (diced): Adds a hint of sweetness and delightful texture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers a subtle kick and enhances the overall savoriness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that gives body to the soup.
- 4 cups water: Helps cook the beans and balance the broth.
- 1 ham bone (optional but recommended): Packs the soup with concentrated smoky, meaty essence; great for depth.
- 1 lb. dried Navy beans (rinsed): Creamy and tender, these beans are the heart of the dish.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Boosts onion flavor while balancing the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses gentle herbal warmth into the broth.
- 2 sprigs thyme: Offers subtle earthiness and complexity to round out flavors.
How to Make Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Ham
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, stirring until they become tender and fragrant—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced ham, letting them cook together for a few more minutes. This step is essential because it builds the aromatic base and lets the ham’s smoky flavors infuse the vegetables, setting the tone for the whole soup.
Step 2: Add Beans, Liquids, and Seasonings
With your stovetop still on medium, add the rinsed navy beans to the pot along with the chicken broth, water, and ham bone. Toss in the onion powder, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Stir gently to combine everything. This is where all the flavors start to marry and the beans begin soaking up that savory goodness. The ham bone will slowly release its rich essence as the soup simmers.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This long simmer allows the beans to soften completely and the broth to thicken, capturing every bit of flavor from the ingredients. Remove the ham bone and thyme sprigs near the end, then season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Serve Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A swirl of sour cream or a few shavings of sharp cheddar can also bring a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the smoky ham and tender beans.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up that flavorful broth. A crisp, simple salad lends a refreshing crunch to balance the richness, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic vibe. You could also top it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. Bringing a colorful side of pickled vegetables or a dollop of spicy mustard on the side can really elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
To enjoy the soup later, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Avoid microwaving without stirring to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried navy beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned navy beans work fine. Just add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking and breaking them apart.
What if I don’t have a ham bone?
No worries. You can substitute with extra diced ham or smoked ham hock. The key is to impart that smoky flavor, so any smoked pork product will enhance your soup wonderfully.
Is it necessary to soak the dried navy beans?
While soaking beans can reduce cooking time and improve digestion, this recipe relies on a long simmer, so soaking is optional. If you do soak, reduce simmering time to avoid mushy beans.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
You can! Swap the ham and ham bone for smoked paprika and vegetable broth, and use olive oil alone instead of butter. Consider adding smoked tofu or mushrooms to mimic the savory depth.
How do I thicken the soup if it feels too thin?
Simply mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. This will naturally thicken the soup without needing flour or other thickeners.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe is a true classic that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or anytime you crave something warm, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again for that unbeatable taste of home-cooked goodness.
Print
Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 13 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ham and Bean Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender navy beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered slowly to develop a rich, savory broth. This classic soup is an economical and satisfying meal that makes excellent use of leftover ham and is easy to prepare with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ham, diced (equivalent to two 8 oz. ham steaks)
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 ham bone (see notes for alternatives)
- 1 lb. dried navy beans, rinsed
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and ham into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aroma.
- Sauté Vegetables and Ham: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the diced onion and carrots, stirring occasionally, and cook until the onions are translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced ham, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the garlic to release its fragrance and the ham to brown slightly.
- Add Beans, Liquids, and Seasonings: To the pot, add the rinsed navy beans, ham bone, chicken broth, and water. Stir in the onion powder, bay leaf, and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for about 3 hours (180 minutes). During this time, the beans will soften, and flavors will meld together. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid; add more water or broth if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: After the beans are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, remove the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. If desired, pull any meat off the ham bone, chop it finely, and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If a ham bone is not available, substitute with ham hocks or smoked pork neck bones for similar flavor.
- Soaking the navy beans overnight can reduce cooking time, but is not required if you allow for longer simmering.
- Leftover ham can be used to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
- For thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir.
