Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Hearty Navy Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings. This delightful soup showcases tender navy beans, your choice of chicken ham or shredded chicken, and an array of vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich broth. It’s not only a fantastic way to use leftover chicken ham, but it’s also a wholesome meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber-rich navy beans and fresh vegetables, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup even on busy weeknights.
• Great for Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for using leftover chicken ham or rotisserie chicken, reducing waste while enhancing flavor.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later; just reheat and enjoy!

Tools and Preparation

To make Hearty Navy Bean Soup, having the right tools will simplify the cooking process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking throughout the soup.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps in easily chopping vegetables, making prep quick and efficient.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

A comforting soup featuring tender navy beans, your choice of chicken ham or chicken, and plenty of vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for using leftover chicken ham!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried white navy beans or 3 (15 oz) cans navy beans, rinsed and drained
– 8 ounces Turkey Turkey Bacon, finely chopped (optional)
– chicken hambone or 2½ cups chopped chicken ham or shredded chicken
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 bulb fennel, chopped
– 1½ cups chopped celery
– 3 carrots, chopped
– 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
– 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
– 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon each: ground mustard, dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon each: dried basil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon each: pepper, red pepper flakes
– 2 bay leaves
– ¼ cup finely chopped chives
– Salt to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If using dried beans:
1. Soak them in water for 8–24 hours.
2. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon (if using)

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Turkey Turkey Bacon until crispy.
2. Remove it from the pot but leave about 2 tablespoons of fat.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add onions, fennel, celery, and carrots to the pot.
2. Sauté until tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic briefly until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in soaked beans (or canned), meat (if using), broth, tomatoes, and seasonings.
2. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Add Potatoes

1. After one hour of simmering, add Yukon gold potatoes.
2. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 30–60 minutes, or until everything is tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

If using a hambone:
1. Remove it after cooking; shred any meat off the bone.
2. Adjust consistency with water as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste before serving.
4. Top servings with cooked Turkey Turkey Bacon and chives.

Enjoy your delicious Hearty Navy Bean Soup!

How to Serve Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Serving Hearty Navy Bean Soup offers a chance to make the meal even more delightful. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or alongside other dishes, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• A thick slice of sourdough or baguette complements the soup’s flavors and adds texture.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh chives or parsley enhances the presentation and adds a burst of freshness.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an edible serving option.

With Cheese and Crackers

• Pairing with sharp cheese and crunchy crackers creates a delightful contrast to the soft, comforting soup.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Store in individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

How to Perfect Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Perfecting your Hearty Navy Bean Soup can make all the difference. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process and flavor profile.

• Soak Beans Properly: If using dried beans, soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

• Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness while enhancing flavor.

• Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Take time to sauté onions and veggies until soft; this builds a rich base for your soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.

• Add Fresh Ingredients Last: To maintain their vibrant color and nutrients, add delicate ingredients like chives just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Pairing sides with your Hearty Navy Bean Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement its comforting nature.

1. Garlic Bread: The crispy texture and buttery flavor of garlic bread make it an ideal match for this hearty soup.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing adds crunch and freshness.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring extra nutrition and color to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing offers a refreshing side that pairs well with beans.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be made ahead of time, filled with rice, beans, and spices, adding variety to your table.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges sprinkled with herbs provide another comforting element alongside the soup.
8. Savory Muffins: Cheese or herb muffins can be great accompaniments, adding warmth and flavor to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Navy Bean Soup can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure a delicious outcome. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using unsoaked dried beans: Not soaking dried beans can lead to longer cooking times and uneven texture. Always soak them for 8-24 hours before cooking.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Overlooking salt and spices can result in bland soup. Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings to suit your preference.

• Adding vegetables too late: If you add vegetables too late in the cooking process, they might not soften adequately. Sauté them early to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.

• Skipping the broth quality: Using low-quality or high-sodium broth can diminish the flavor of your soup. Opt for low sodium chicken broth for a better taste without excessive salt.

• Not shredding meat properly: If using chicken ham or hambone, failing to shred the meat well can leave large chunks that are unappealing in the final dish. Make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Hearty Navy Bean Soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the soup is cooled before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Hearty Navy Bean Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Hearty Navy Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until hot.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot, adjusting consistency with water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hearty Navy Bean Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken Hearty Navy Bean Soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water.

What meats work best with this navy bean soup?

While chicken ham is great, you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or even diced ham for added flavor.

Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! If you’re using canned navy beans, simply rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Navy Bean Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re using leftover chicken ham or different veggies, this recipe allows you to adapt it based on what you have on hand. Give it a try today!