The Best Homemade Navy Bean Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade navy bean soup recipe is a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy meal!
- It’s super easy to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- The soup is rich and creamy, yet light enough to enjoy any time of year.
- It’s customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Recipe
Navy bean soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold days. This classic recipe combines tender navy beans with savory flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse the navy beans and soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before using.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the soaked beans, ham hock or diced ham, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
- Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This navy bean soup is packed with essential nutrients and is a healthy, satisfying meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my navy bean soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping—it soaks up the broth perfectly. A fresh side salad adds a crisp contrast, and I usually go for something simple like mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Trust me, these pairings make the meal feel complete without stealing the soup’s spotlight.
Crusty Bread Pairing
Though I’m a fan of hearty soups, I’ve found that a bowl of navy bean soup truly shines when it’s paired with the right bread. For me, crusty bread is the perfect match—its crisp exterior and soft interior soak up the rich broth beautifully. A warm baguette or sourdough loaf adds texture and balances the soup’s creamy beans. I love tearing off a piece and dipping it right in, letting the flavors mingle. Sometimes, I’ll even toast slices with a drizzle of olive oil for extra crunch. It’s simple, satisfying, and takes the meal to the next level.
Side Salad Options
While crusty bread makes a great partner for navy bean soup, a fresh side salad can brighten up the meal with crisp, tangy flavors. I love tossing together a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll add grated carrots or thin radish rounds for extra crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw in some crumbled feta or toasted nuts for richness. A Caesar salad with homemade dressing and crispy croutons is another favorite of mine. These salads balance the hearty soup perfectly, making the meal feel complete without being too heavy.
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