Navy Bean Ham Bone Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and goodness. My Navy Bean Ham Bone Soup recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s easy to make, perfect for using up leftover ham, and tastes amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with navy beans and ham, making it a satisfying meal23.

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry1.

• Budget-Friendly: It’s a great way to stretch a leftover ham bone into a delicious meal1.

• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies and spices to make it your own1.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Serving Size: 6-8 people

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans12

• 1 ham bone with ham scraps12

• 1 tablespoon olive oil12

• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped12

• 6 cloves garlic, minced12

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)12

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin1

• ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)12

• 10 cups water (or a mix of water and low-sodium chicken broth)12

• Salt and pepper to taste12

• Optional: 1 bay leaf, chopped carrots, celery, parsley for garnish14

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Soak the Beans: The night before, put the navy beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight (or up to 24 hours). Drain the beans when you’re ready to cook12.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant12.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained beans, ham bone, thyme, cumin, crushed red pepper (if using), and water to the pot. Make sure everything is well combined12.

4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are very tender. Stir occasionally12.

5. Remove Ham Bone: Take out the ham bone and let it cool slightly. Pull off any remaining ham from the bone and stir it back into the soup. Discard the bone12.

6. Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that ham bones can be salty, so go easy on the salt at first1.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy with a side of cornbread or crusty bread1.

Tips for Customization

• Add Veggies: Carrots, celery, and even diced potatoes can add extra nutrients and flavor14.

• Spice It Up: A bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika can add depth to the soup1.

• Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans4.

FAQs

• Can I use canned beans? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use canned navy beans. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup. You’ll also need to reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already cooked.

• Do I have to soak the beans? Soaking helps the beans cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can use the quick-soak method: Boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour before draining and rinsing1.

• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender4.

• How long does the soup last? This soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Navy Bean Ham Bone Soup!