Cozy Winter Navy Bean & Ham Soup
This hearty Navy Bean & Ham Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly winter evening. Inspired by the flavors of leftover holiday ham, this comforting soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you have leftover ham from New Year's festivities or want to use turkey kielbasa or any salted meat, this recipe will delight your taste buds. The rich broth, infused with sautéed onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, complements the tender navy beans beautifully. Serve it with fluffy cornbread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to bring comfort and joy during the colder months.
6-8
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
2 cups (rinsed and soaked)
water
6 cups (for cooking)
chicken bouillon cubes
6 cubes (dissolved in water)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
chopped ham
1 lb (leftover or cooked)
yellow onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (whole)
celery stalks
2 (chopped)
carrots
2 (sliced)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and soak them according to the package directions, typically overnight or for at least 6 hours.
2
In a large pot, add 6 cups of water and dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes into it. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
3
Once the bouillon is fully dissolved, stir in the chopped ham and return to a gentle simmer.
4
In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and whole garlic cloves; sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the bouillon and ham mixture.
6
Stir in the sliced carrots and drained navy beans. Allow the soup to simmer on low heat, partially covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
43.75g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Navy Bean & Ham Soup?
The main protein is 1 lb of chopped ham, which can be leftover holiday ham or cooked ham.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes between 6 and 8 servings.
How long do the navy beans need to soak?
The dried navy beans should be soaked overnight or for at least 6 hours according to package directions.
What is the total cooking time for the soup?
The soup needs to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender.
Can I use a meat alternative in this soup?
Yes, the recipe suggests using turkey kielbasa or any salted meat as an alternative to ham.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What kind of broth is used for the base?
The base is made using 6 cups of water and 6 dissolved chicken bouillon cubes.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes yellow onion, garlic cloves, celery stalks, and carrots.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Yes, the onion, celery, and garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the pot.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced before being added to the soup.
Is this soup high in protein?
Yes, each serving contains 18.75g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup contains 3.75g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 43.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 whole garlic cloves to be sautéed with the other vegetables.
What is recommended to serve with the soup?
It is recommended to serve the soup with fluffy cornbread and a crisp green salad.
Do I need to rinse the navy beans?
Yes, the dried beans should be rinsed under cold water before soaking.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
The soup should be allowed to simmer on low heat while partially covered.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
The tags suggest vegetarian options are possible, likely by substituting the ham with a plant-based meat and using vegetable bouillon.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much water is required for the soup?
The recipe requires 6 cups of water.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using one chopped yellow onion.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a family meal.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the navy beans are tender, which usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I use this recipe for holiday leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically inspired by the flavors of leftover holiday ham.
How many bouillon cubes are needed?
You will need 6 chicken bouillon cubes.
How many navy beans are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dried navy beans.
What is the texture of the soup?
It is described as a hearty and comforting soup with tender beans and a rich broth.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, turkey kielbasa is mentioned as a suitable substitute.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a cozy winter dish designed to warm you up.