Description

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Navy Bean Soup is a classic comfort dish perfect for any occasion. This wholesome recipe combines tender Navy beans, savory smoked ham shank, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a comforting meal year-round, this soup is sure to satisfy with its rich taste and comforting aroma. Discover how easy it is to prepare this timeless favorite and make it a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients

16 ounces Navy Beans
1 pound Smoked Ham Shank, rinsed
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, finely diced
2 Carrots, diced
2 Celery Ribs, diced
3–4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Spanish Paprika
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
4 cups Chicken Broth
4 cups Water
1 Bay Leaf
Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans:

Pick through the beans to remove any foreign objects. Rinse thoroughly.
Soak the beans using the overnight or quick soak method.

2. Prepare the Ham Shank:

Rinse the smoked ham shank with cold water and pat dry.

3. Cook the Soup:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add smoked ham shank, navy beans, chicken broth, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 60 minutes.
Remove ham shank, chop meat, and return to pot. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until beans are tender.
Season with salt to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.

4. Enjoy Your Meal:

This Navy Bean Soup is packed with flavor and makes for a wholesome meal any time of year. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, satisfying taste of homemade goodness.

Notes

Serving Tips :

Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil over each serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or cornbread on the side to complement the hearty flavors of the soup.
Cheese Option: Offer grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese at the table for those who enjoy an extra layer of richness.

Storage Tips:

Cooling Down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation in the storage container.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
Labeling: Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Additional Tips:

Flavor Development: Soups often develop deeper flavors over time, so don’t hesitate to make this soup a day ahead for even richer taste.
Batch Cooking: Consider doubling the recipe to have extra portions on hand for busy days or unexpected guests.
Variety: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking each time you reheat it.