Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Soup.

1. Step 1

   Start by rinsing and draining your navy beans, then place them in a large pot.

2. Step 2

   Cover the beans with several inches of cold water and bring it to a boil.

3. Step 3

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for about five minutes.

4. Step 4

   After that, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans sit for an hour to soak up all that goodness.

5. Step 5

   When the time is up, drain and rinse the beans to prepare them for the next step.

6. Step 6

   While the beans are soaking, take some kitchen twine and tie together a small bundle of fresh parsley, thyme, and a bay leaf.

7. Step 7

   This little herb bouquet will infuse your soup with delightful flavors.

8. Step 8

   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, your herb bundle, ham hocks, chopped carrots, onions, and garlic.

9. Step 9

   Pour in eight cups of cold water and bring everything to a boil.

10. Step 10

    Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour and a half, or until the beans and ham hocks are tender and full of flavor.

11. Step 11

    When your soup is ready, turn off the heat and carefully remove the ham hocks.

12. Step 12

    Let them cool for a moment, then shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones, fat, and skin.

13. Step 13

    Chop the ham into small, bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

14. Step 14

    Don’t forget to toss out the herb bundle; it has done its job beautifully.

15. Step 15

    Next, take about three cups of the cooked beans along with some of the flavorful cooking liquid and blend them until smooth.

16. Step 16

    This will give your soup a lovely creamy texture.

17. Step 17

    Return the pureed beans to the pot, add the chopped ham, and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

18. Step 18

    Finally, season your creation with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

19. Step 19

    Now, take a moment to savor the aroma wafting through your kitchen.

20. Step 20

    This hearty soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

21. Step 21

    Enjoy!.