Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup
This Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with nutritious navy beans, tender vegetables, and a meaty ham bone that infuses the broth with smoky flavor, this soup is both filling and delicious. It simmers for hours to develop deep, rich flavors, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or meal prep. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a wholesome meal that will warm you and your loved ones from the inside out.
8
Servings
192.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
navy beans
1 lb (rinsed and sorted)
water
3 quarts (for boiling)
ham bone
1 (meaty, includes some meat)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
4 (sliced)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the rinsed navy beans and 3 quarts of water along with the meaty ham bone.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to soften.
3
Add the chopped celery, onion, sliced carrots, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4
Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender. Add more water if necessary to keep a soup-like consistency.
5
Once the soup is ready, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and return any meat to the soup. Discard the bone.
6
Serve hot with fresh bread on the side.
Nutrition Information
1.875
Fat
29.75
Carbs
9.625
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup?
The soup has a deep, smoky flavor infused by a meaty ham bone and tender simmered vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of navy beans, rinsed and sorted.
How long does the soup need to simmer in total?
The soup simmers for a total of 4 hours: 2 hours for the beans and bone initially, and another 2 hours after adding the vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 192.5 calories per serving.
Do I need to soak the navy beans overnight?
The recipe does not require overnight soaking; instead, the beans are simmered for 2 hours to soften before other ingredients are added.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup contains chopped celery, one chopped onion, and four sliced carrots.
What should I do with the ham bone once the soup is finished?
Remove the bone from the pot, let it cool, shred any remaining meat to return to the soup, and then discard the bone.
Is this soup a good option for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for meal prep as the flavors continue to develop over time.
What is the recommended side dish for this soup?
It is best served hot with a side of crusty or fresh bread.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe starts with 3 quarts of water, with more added as needed to maintain consistency.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 9.625 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup is relatively low in fat, with about 1.875 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 29.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What amount of celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped celery.
How many carrots are required?
You will need 4 sliced carrots.
Is salt added to the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of salt is added along with the vegetables, or to taste.
When do I add the pepper?
Freshly ground pepper is added to taste at the same time as the vegetables and salt.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
The recipe specifies simmering the mixture uncovered for the first 2 hours.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be sliced before being added to the pot.
What kind of ham bone is best?
A meaty ham bone is recommended to provide both flavor and extra bits of meat for the soup.
How many onions are used?
The recipe uses one chopped onion.
Can I adjust the consistency of the soup?
Yes, you can add more water if necessary to keep a soup-like consistency during the long simmer.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is adding the rinsed navy beans, 3 quarts of water, and the ham bone to a large pot.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugar.
What is the preparation for the navy beans?
The navy beans should be rinsed and sorted to remove any debris.
Is this soup suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its hearty nature and high serving count make it great for families.
How often should I stir the soup?
You should stir the soup occasionally while it simmers.
When does the soup reach its full flavor?
The flavor develops deeply as it simmers for a total of four hours.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact volume is not specified, the recipe yields 8 equal servings.