Savory Navy Beans Recipe

Savory Navy Beans Recipe

6 servings
A tasty bowl of beans that can be served as a main dish for 4 or side for 6.After a 4 hour brine, these beans require a short prep and cook on the stovetop. "*" See Kitchen Notes for more information or links to special ingredients.

Ingredients

  • dried navy beans
    2 c
  • salt
    1 tbsp.
  • water
  • bacon
    4 pieces
  • bacon drippings
    2 tbsp.
  • onion

    diced

    1 medium
  • stalks celery

    diced

    2
  • bell pepper

    any color, diced

    ½ large
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    6
  • chicken stock
    6 c
  • dried thyme
    1 tsp.
  • dried marjoram
    ¼ tsp.
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp.
  • hot red chile powder*)

    (chile with an "e"

    ½ tsp.
  • crumbled bacon
  • thinly sliced savoy cabbage
  • fresh cilantro or parsley
  • thinly sliced or minced jalapeno
  • red chile sauce
  • sriracha

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, dissolve 1 Tbsp. salt in about 6 cups water. Add the beans and let brine for 4 hours. After 4 hours, drain and rinse.

  2. 2

    During the last 30 minutes of the brine, cook the bacon and chop the vegetables.

  3. 3

    In a large soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towel to drain. Hide in the cupboard so that it won't get eaten before the beans are done.

  4. 4

    Pour out all but 2 Tbsp. of the bacon drippings.

  5. 5

    Over medium heat, saute’ the onion, celery, and bell pepper in the bacon drippings for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.

  6. 6

    Add the stock, drained and rinsed beans, herbs, pepper and chile powder.

  7. 7

    Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover for 30 minutes, stirring twice.

  8. 8

    After 30 minutes, check for doneness. If not done, cook covered, another 10 minutes and test again. Continue cooking until done. It usually takes about 40 - 45 minutes.

  9. 9

    Once the beans are done, scoop into serving bowls, top with shredded cabbage and crumbled bacon, fresh herbs and a little hot sauce, whichever toppings you desire.*

Savory Navy Beans Recipe

Savory Navy Beans Recipe

45 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed bean dish that can stand alone or complement any meal? This Savory Navy Beans Recipe delivers a deeply satisfying experience, transforming humble navy beans into a hearty culinary delight that will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect when you crave something wholesome and incredibly flavorful without a complicated process. The journey to these tender beans starts with a simple yet crucial step.

Why These Savory Navy Beans Work

The secret to these incredibly tender and flavorful beans starts with a 4-hour brine, ensuring each bean absorbs moisture for perfect texture and reducing overall cooking time. Building on this foundation, the dish layers rich, smoky flavors from bacon and bacon drippings, which are then mellowed and brightened by a classic mirepoix of diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Finally, minced garlic and a thoughtfully balanced blend of dried thyme, marjoram, black pepper, and hot red chile powder create a complex, savory depth that will keep you coming back for more.

What to Expect

You can expect a rich, savory bowl of deeply tender navy beans, infused with smoky bacon and a vibrant blend of sweet onion, crisp celery, and aromatic bell pepper. Subtle, earthy notes of thyme and marjoram are uplifted by a gentle, warming spice from the hot red chile powder and ground black pepper. This robust dish offers a comforting texture and a truly satisfying taste experience that feels both rustic and refined. It's a versatile preparation, perfect for serving as a fulfilling main course for four, or as a generous and flavorful side dish for six guests.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to customize your bowl of savory navy beans with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra crunch and smokiness, or add a fresh, bright counterpoint with thinly sliced savoy cabbage or fresh cilantro or parsley. For those who enjoy more heat, a kick from thinly sliced or minced jalapeno can be added, or a drizzle of red chile sauce or sriracha can further adjust the spice level to your preference.

Serving & Context

Serve this hearty dish simply as a fulfilling main course for a cozy evening meal. Alternatively, it makes an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or a slice of warm cornbread, creating a complete and deeply satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions