Savory Navy Bean and Ham Soup
This Savory Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a rich and hearty dish that transforms your leftover holiday ham and bones into a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of tender navy beans, aromatic herbs, and smoked ham hocks creates a warm, thick soup that's perfect for chilly days. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this soup not only nourishes the family but also provides a special treat for your furry friends as you generously share the bones afterward. This recipe is a cozy staple that brings everyone together around the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
navy beans
2 lbs (picked over, rinsed, and drained)
parsley
10-15 sprigs (fresh)
fresh thyme or rosemary
2 sprigs (optional, fresh)
bay leaf
1-2 (depending on size)
smoked ham hocks or bones
2 large (with plenty of meat)
onion
1 medium (coarsely chopped (or 2 small))
garlic cloves
2 (coarsely chopped)
cold water
8 cups (no preparation needed)
carrot
1 medium (coarsely chopped)
kosher salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
butter
as needed (to garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse and drain the navy beans, then transfer them to a large saucepan. Cover the beans with 2 inches of cold water.
2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3
Remove the pan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the beans sit for 1 hour. Afterward, drain the beans.
4
While the beans are soaking, tie the parsley, thyme (or rosemary), and bay leaf into a bundle using kitchen twine, or wrap them in a square of cheesecloth to infuse flavor.
5
In a large pot, combine the herb bundle, soaked beans, smoked ham hocks (or ham bones), chopped onion, chopped carrot, garlic cloves, and 8 cups of cold water.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
7
Once the beans are tender, turn off the heat and carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before cutting the meat into bite-sized cubes.
8
Discard the herb bundle and any excess fat from the ham hocks.
9
Using an immersion blender, puree about 3 cups of the bean mixture along with some of the liquid until smooth. Be careful, as it will be hot!
10
Stir the blended mixture back into the remaining soup, along with the cubed ham. Mix well.
11
Season the soup to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
12
Ladle the soup into bowls, add a pat of butter on top for extra richness, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Savory Navy Bean and Ham Soup?
This soup is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender navy beans, aromatic herbs, and smoked ham, creating a warm and thick consistency perfect for chilly days.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of navy beans that have been picked over, rinsed, and drained.
How should I prepare the beans before cooking the soup?
Cover the beans with 2 inches of cold water, boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit covered for 1 hour before draining.
Can I use ham bones instead of ham hocks?
Yes, you can use either 2 large smoked ham hocks or meaty ham bones to provide the smoky flavor and meat for the soup.
What herbs are included in the herb bundle?
The herb bundle consists of 10-15 sprigs of fresh parsley, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, and 1-2 bay leaves.
How do I secure the herbs for the soup?
You can tie the herbs together using kitchen twine or wrap them in a square of cheesecloth.
What vegetables are added to the soup base?
The soup includes one medium coarsely chopped onion (or two small ones), one medium coarsely chopped carrot, and two coarsely chopped garlic cloves.
How much water is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cups of cold water for the main cooking process, plus extra for the initial bean soaking step.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are tender.
How do I process the ham hocks after cooking?
Carefully remove the ham hocks, allow them to cool, discard the excess fat, and cut the meat into bite-sized cubes.
What should I do with the herb bundle after simmering?
The herb bundle should be discarded once the simmering process is complete and the beans are tender.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by pureeing approximately 3 cups of the bean mixture and liquid using an immersion blender, then stirring it back into the pot.
Are there any safety tips for pureeing the soup?
Yes, be very careful when using the immersion blender as the soup will be extremely hot.
What seasoning is recommended?
The soup should be seasoned to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the final garnish recommended for serving?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to transform leftover holiday ham and bones into a new meal.
Can I give the bones to my pets?
The description suggests that after the soup is made, the bones can be shared with your furry friends as a special treat.
Is fresh thyme mandatory?
No, the fresh thyme or rosemary is listed as an optional ingredient.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt.
Can I use small onions instead of medium ones?
Yes, you can substitute 2 small onions for 1 medium onion.
Do I need to stir the soup during the long simmer?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the soup occasionally while it simmers for 1 to 2 hours.
What should the texture of the beans be when done?
The beans should be tender before you turn off the heat and begin the pureeing step.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
While tagged as 'slow cooked,' the instructions describe a stovetop method using a large pot or saucepan.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including garnishes and seasonings.
What should I do with the meat after cubing it?
The cubed ham should be stirred back into the pot after you have blended a portion of the soup.
What is the purpose of the 1-hour soak?
The 1-hour soak after boiling helps soften the navy beans properly before the main cooking stage.
Should the water used for simmering be hot or cold?
The instructions specify using 8 cups of cold water when combining the beans, ham, and vegetables.
Can I use dried parsley?
The recipe calls for 10-15 sprigs of fresh parsley to be tied into the herb bundle.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a cozy staple for family dinners.