Navy Bean Soup Recipe: A Delicious and Versatile Dish

Classic Navy Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb navy beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In a large pot, combine the beans and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, ham hock or diced ham, bay leaf, and thyme. Let simmer for another hour, or until the beans are tender and the soup is thickened.
Remove the bay leaf and ham hock, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Smoky Navy Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb navy beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups smoked diced ham
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In a large pot, combine the beans and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, smoked ham hock or diced ham, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let simmer for another hour, or until the beans are tender and the soup is thickened.
Remove the ham hock, if using, and shred any meat that has fallen off. Return the meat to the soup and discard the bones. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Creamy Navy Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb navy beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In a large pot, combine the beans and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and rosemary. Let simmer for another hour, or until the beans are tender and the soup is thickened.
Remove 2 cups of the soup and blend until smooth. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Vegan Navy Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb navy beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In a large pot, combine the beans and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the cooked vegetables to the pot with the beans, along with the smoked paprika and thyme. Let simmer for another hour, or until the beans are tender and the soup is thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Conclusion

Navy bean soup is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. From traditional recipes to creative variations, this hearty soup is a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, there is a navy bean soup recipe that will satisfy your taste buds. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with this versatile ingredient and discover new ways to enjoy its rich flavor and nutritional value.