Traditional Bean Soup

Name: Traditional Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried navy beans; 1 large ham hock or 1 lb ham, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 quarts water; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 celery stalk, sliced; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

There's nothing quite like a bowl of hearty traditional bean soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the rich, savory ham and a medley of fresh vegetables. It's simple yet satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Traditional Bean Soup

Navy beans are the heart of this soup, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor that absorbs the broth beautifully. Ham hock or diced ham adds a smoky, savory depth, enhancing the soup’s richness. Onion and garlic offer a foundation of aromatic flavors, while carrot and celery add a touch of sweetness and crunch. For the liquid, water is all you need since the ham hock will infuse it with plenty of flavor. Finally, salt and black pepper help bring everything together, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
If you’re short on time, use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the vegetables.
Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a hint of brightness.

Serving Suggestions

This traditional bean soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a sandwich or a baked potato. If you're feeling indulgent, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?: Yes, you can, but you'll need to reduce the simmering time significantly. The flavor might not be as deep, but it’s a good shortcut.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?: Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
What if I don't have a ham hock?: You can use diced ham or bacon, or even smoked sausage for a similar effect.

Traditional Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to start by rinsing and sorting the navy beans. This step is essential for removing any debris and ensuring your beans are ready for cooking. Once sorted, grab a large pot and combine the beans, ham hock, and water. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 90 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the beans soften and the flavors start to mingle.

After 90 minutes, it's time to add more flavor. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrot, and celery. Stir everything together, cover the pot again, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and the flavors will deepen.

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the ham hock from the soup. Carefully trim off the meat, discard the bone, and return the meat to the pot. Give everything a good stir, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, the ham can be quite salty, so taste before adding too much salt. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping.
Rich, comforting flavors that develop beautifully as it simmers.
Great for using up leftover ham.
Nutritious and filling, with plenty of fiber and protein.

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans

1 large ham hock or 1 lb ham, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 quarts water

1 carrot, sliced

1 celery stalk, sliced

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the navy beans, removing any debris.

2. In a large pot, combine the beans, ham hock, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 90 minutes or until the beans are tender.

4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.

5. Remove the ham hock from the soup, trim off meat, and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone.