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Best Easy Navy Bean Soup Recipe

Name: Best Easy Navy Bean Soup Recipe
Total time: 165 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: dried navy beans 1 lb; ham bone (or smoked ham hock) 1 piece; cooked diced ham 1 cup; onion, chopped 1 cup; celery, sliced 1 cup; carrots, diced 1 cup; garlic, minced 2 cloves; bay leaf 1 piece; water 8 cups; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; dried thyme 0.5 tsp

Hearty navy bean soup simmered with ham and aromatic vegetables is a high protein, family-style comfort classic. This affordable, filling bowl is perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly batches.

Cook 165 min Difficulty NORMAL 315 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

dried navy beans 1 lb
ham bone (or smoked ham hock) 1 piece
cooked diced ham 1 cup
onion, chopped 1 cup
celery, sliced 1 cup
carrots, diced 1 cup
garlic, minced 2 cloves
bay leaf 1 piece
water 8 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
dried thyme 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 35 g 44%

Protein 22 g 28%

Fat 8 g 23%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse and soak the dried navy beans overnight in a large bowl covered with water (for a quick soak, simmer beans in water for 5 minutes, then let stand 1 hour).
2

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little oil over medium heat; sauté onion, celery, and carrots for 6–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3

Add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
4

Drain and add soaked beans to the pot along with the ham bone, diced ham, bay leaf, and 8 cups of fresh water.
5

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Skim foam from the top as needed to keep the broth clear.
6

After 2 hours, remove the ham bone. If there’s any meat left, chop and return it to the pot. Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
7

Simmer uncovered for another 20–30 minutes or until beans are tender and soup has thickened. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this navy bean soup recipe?

The foundation of this soup is dried navy beans, which create its classic creamy texture and hearty body. The ham bone and diced ham infuse a signature smoky, savory depth, while aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots balance the flavor. The combination of beans and ham defines both the taste and the high protein content.

Q. At which point should I control the heat most carefully?

Careful heat control is crucial after adding the beans and ham to the pot: once the soup reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover. Maintaining a gentle simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours ensures the beans cook evenly and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and avoid boiling vigorously, which can break up the beans or make the soup cloudy.

Q. How can I ensure my beans are perfectly tender and not mushy?

To achieve perfectly tender beans without mushiness, soak them adequately and simmer gently over low heat. Stir occasionally, check bean doneness starting around 2 hours, and remove the pot from heat once the beans are soft but hold their shape. Overcooking or boiling forcefully can cause beans to burst or the soup to thicken excessively.

Q. How does this navy bean soup fit into a high-protein or diabetic-friendly diet?

Each 350g serving provides about 22g of protein (28% of calories) and 35g of carbohydrates (44% of calories), making it a high-protein, hearty option. Its balance of complex carbs and lean protein, with moderate fat, also aligns well with diabetic-friendly guidelines, especially since beans have a low glycemic impact.

Q. What is the calorie count and macronutrient ratio per serving?

One serving contains approximately 315 kcal, with 35g of carbohydrates (44%), 22g of protein (28%), and 8g of fat (23%) by caloric percentage. This makes it filling and suitable for balanced meal plans.

Best Easy Navy Bean Soup Recipe

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