Navy Bean Soup Recipe (with Ham)
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 ham bone
+ ham scraps
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion
peeled and chopped
- 6 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 10 cups water
- Salt
and pepper
Directions
- 1
The Night Before: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with three inches of water. Soak the dried beans overnight (up to 24 hours) to soften. Drain when ready to use.
- 2
Place a large 6 quart pot over medium heat. Add the oil, ham bone, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften the onions.
- 3
Then add in the drained beans, thyme, ground cumin, crushed red pepper, 10 cups of water, and any remaining ham scraps. (Do not salt the soup until the end, because ham bones can be very salty.)
- 4
Bring the soup to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 60-90 minutes, covered, until the beans are very soft. Uncover and stir occasionally, then place the lid back on top.
- 5
Use a fork to pull any remaining ham off the bone and stir it into the soup. Discard the bone. Add 1-2 cups additional water if the soup is too thick. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe (with Ham)
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About this Recipe
Transform your leftover ham bone into something truly special and deeply satisfying with Nana's Epic Navy Bean Soup. This simple yet utterly addictive recipe delivers hearty, savory flavor that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for a cozy meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands apart by maximizing the flavor potential of your ham bone. Rather than discarding it, the bone becomes the very heart of the soup, lending an unparalleled depth and savory essence that simply can't be replicated with stock alone. Coupled with the fragrant sautéed onion and garlic, and brightened by fresh thyme and a touch of cumin, it builds a truly addictive broth that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's a testament to simple ingredients yielding extraordinary flavor.
What to Expect
When you ladle a bowl of Nana's Navy Bean Soup, you're not just getting a meal; you're getting a warm embrace. Expect a rustic, thick soup brimming with creamy navy beans and tender pieces of savory ham that have been infused with the rich essence of the ham bone. The aromatic foundation of sautéed onion and minced garlic, combined with earthy cumin and fragrant fresh thyme, creates a complex flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly comforting. A gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper provides a subtle, pleasant heat that perfectly complements the hearty nature of the beans and ham, making each bite an experience.
Customization & Variations
While the ham bone is central to the recipe's depth, you can always add extra ham scraps for more texture and flavor, ensuring no delicious bit goes to waste. Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level, from a subtle hint to a more noticeable warmth. For an extra layer of herbaceous freshness, a bit more fresh thyme can easily elevate the aroma and taste.
Serving & Context
This hearty navy bean soup is a meal in itself, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a warming lunch on a chilly day. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, ensuring you soak up every last drop of the rich, savory broth.