Homemade Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup Recipe

Transform your leftover holiday ham bone into a hearty and comforting navy bean soup. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 leftover ham bone with some meat attached

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:

o Drain and rinse the soaked navy beans. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

o In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

o Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

o Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add Ham Bone and Broth:

o Place the ham bone into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

o Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ham bone is submerged.

o Add the bay leaves and dried thyme.

4. Cook the Soup:

o Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

o Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour.

5. Add Navy Beans:

o After 1 hour, add the drained navy beans to the pot.

o Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.

6. Remove Ham Bone:

o Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot.

o Let it cool slightly, then remove any remaining meat from the bone. Shred the meat and return it to the soup.

7. Season and Serve:

o Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

o Remove the bay leaves before serving.

o Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Soaking Beans: Soaking the navy beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

• Ham Bone Substitute: If a ham bone isn't available, use smoked ham hocks or add diced cooked ham for flavor.

• Thicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.

This navy bean and ham bone soup is a perfect way to utilize leftovers and create a nourishing meal for chilly days.

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Homemade Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup Recipe