Navy Bean Soup Recipe for a Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Navy bean soup has been warming people up for years on chilly nights. Its thick, comforting broth and soft beans give you a full feeling, wich makes it perfect when its cold out. The taste is kinda simple but satisfying, and since the beans are full of fiber and protein, it's also a pretty good healthy pick for a family supper.

Navy beans, some people call haricot beans, are small oval legumes that look creamy white. They have a mild taste and go super soft when you cook them, so they're great for soups or stews. One thing that stands out about navy beans is their nutrition. They got lots of fiber wich is good for your digestion and keeps your blood sugar steady. Plus they give you protein for muscles and they’re full of vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium.

In this post, we'll look at why so many folks love navy bean soup for real. First, i'll share a bit about where these beans came from and how they got famous in America. Then, i’ll show you what makes them good for your body and why they can be part of a healthy eating plan. Next up is a simple recipe with steps, tips, and ways you can change it to fit what you like or need. And at the end, i'll answer some questions people often ask so you can make just the right bowl of navy bean soup every time.

1. What Are Navy Beans?

Navy beans, sometimes called haricot beans, are tiny oval beans that look creamy white and taste pretty mild. When you cook them they get soft and almost velvety, so they blend right into soups and stews. They soak up the flavors of other stuff you cook with, wich makes your dish extra hearty. Because they got a lot of starch, the soup turns out kinda creamy, and that’s why these beans are in so many comfort foods like navy bean soup.

1.2 History of Navy Beans

The story of navy beans goes way back in American food history. Native Americans grew these beans long before Europeans came over. The name "navy bean" came from the U.S. Navy in the 1800s, since they packed these beans for sailors on ships because they last a long time and are full of nutrients. Later, during the Great Depression, families used navy beans a lot since they was cheap and filling. Through the years, navy beans stayed a favorite comfort food, reminding people of simpler times and good, home-cooked meals.

2. Nutritional Value of Navy Beans

Navy beans aren’t just tasty; they’re full of good stuff. Their nutrition facts make them a smart choice for any meal if you wanna eat healthy.

2.1 Key Nutritional Components

One big thing about navy beans is they have loads of fiber wich helps you digest food and keeps your blood sugar from swinging up and down. One cup of cooked beans also gives you a ton of protein, so they’re a great plant-based protein choice. Besides fiber and protein, navy beans have important vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium. All these help your body work better in lots of ways.

2.2 Health Benefits

If you add navy beans to your meals, you can get lots of health perks. The fiber in them helps keep your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol and keeping blood pressure steady. The protein helps your muscles fix themselves and grow, which is good if you work out. Plus folate, iron, and magnesium boost your energy and immune system. Because they fill you up, navy beans can even help you control your weight by cutting cravings.

3. Why Make Navy Bean Soup?

Navy bean soup feels like a warm hug when its cold outside. The thick broth, soft beans, and seasonings hit right in the feels, reminding you of home and old family meals. It's simple but tasty and lots of people grew up eating it.

Also, it's super easy on your wallet. You just need a handful of basic veggies and beans to make enough soup for everyone. Navy beans are cheap and they last long in the pantry, so you can throw together this meal even if you’re low on cash. And you can mix in what you got—like extra veggies, spices, or leftover meat—to make it your own.

4. Classic Navy Bean Soup Recipe

4.1 Ingredients

To prepare a delicious classic navy bean soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup dried navy beans (or 2 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced ham or bacon for added flavor

4.2 Directions

Here are the steps to cook this soup:

1. Pre-soaking the Beans: If using dried navy beans, rinse them under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. If your short on time, you can use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Beans and Broth: If using soaked dried beans, drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Pour in the broth, add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using canned beans, simply add them along with the broth and herbs.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1-1.5 hours for dried beans, or 20-30 minutes if using canned beans. Stir occasionally and check that the beans are tender.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Once the beans are cooked to your liking, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
6. Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or croutons.

4.3 Tips and Variations

Some tips to make your soup turn out great:

• Cooking Tips: Always check your beans for any debris or damaged beans before soaking.
• Optional Ingredients: Feel free to add diced ham or bacon for a smoky flavor, or include vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Storage: Leftover navy bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.

5. Additional Variations of Navy Bean Soup

5.1 Smoky Navy Bean Soup with Ham

If you want a smoky twist, add ham. Just toss in a cup or two of chopped ham when you cook the veggies. The ham makes the soup taste extra savory and smoky, and its hard to stop eating it.

5.2 Vegan Navy Bean Soup

For a vegan version, swap chicken broth for veggie broth and skip any meat. You can add smoked paprika or a little liquid smoke if you want more flavor. You could also throw in some tofu for protein or stir in greens like spinach at the end.

6. Pairing Suggestions

If you wanna serve something with your soup, try:

• Breads: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
• Salads: Fresh cucumber tomato salad or coleslaw can provide a nice crunch and balance to the soup.
• Beverages: Pair the soup with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a pleasing meal experience.

7. FAQs

7.1 Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?

Yes you can use canned beans instead of dried ones. Just cook it less cause canned beans are already soft.

7.2 How can I make navy bean soup thicker?

You can mash a few beans on the side of the pot or use a blender to puree part of the soup, then mix it back to make it thicker.

7.3 What can I store leftover soup in?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Glass is good cause it dont hold smells and you can zap it in the microwave.

7.4 How long does navy bean soup last in the fridge?

You can keep it in the fridge for about 4 days in a sealed box or jar.

7.5 Can I freeze navy bean soup? If so, how?

Sure, you can freeze it. Let the soup cool first, then put it in freezer bags or containers. It’s good for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to write the date on it.

Conclusion

Navy bean soup mixes simple taste and healthy nutrition, so no wonder lots of folks love it. With a long past and plenty of good for you stuff, it has stayed popular for ages. Give it a try and let us know how yours turns out or what changes you made. Enjoy cooking!

Navy Bean Soup

A hearty and nutritious Navy Bean Soup that's perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with flavor and protein, this soup is easy to prepare and is a comforting meal for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot or Dutch oven
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cups
• 1 measuring spoons
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups dried navy beans rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced ham or smoked sausage optional
• Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• Start by soaking the navy beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and let them soak overnight. If short on time, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 5 minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour.
• Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then set aside.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the soaked beans, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and diced ham or sausage (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered, for about 30-35 minutes or until the beans are tender.
• Remove the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or simply mash some of the beans with a fork.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or sausage.

You can add other vegetables such as spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.