Old Fashioned Bean Soup

Savor the comforting flavors of Old Fashioned Bean Soup, a timeless recipe brimming with hearty ingredients and rustic charm. This classic soup combines tender navy beans, a medley of sautéed vegetables, fragrant garlic, and optional smoky ham hock for an irresistible depth of flavor. Simmered to perfection with a blend of vegetable broth, aromatic bay leaves, and earthy thyme, this dish is a true celebration of old-fashioned simplicity. Perfect for cozy family meals or meal prepping, this heartwarming soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread for a wholesome, satisfying dining experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a bowl of nostalgia-made-new, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 smoked ham hock (optional, for flavor)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight (8-12 hours).

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set them aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the soaked beans, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), ham hock (if using), bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 90-120 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 8

Stir occasionally and skim off any foam from the surface. Add more broth or water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 9

Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock (if used). You can shred any meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot, discarding the bone.

Step 10

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 11

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2907.2 grams (2907.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2256

Total Fat 51.50g	66%
Saturated Fat 10.90g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 60mg	20%
Sodium 10983mg	478%
Total Carbohydrate 328.40g	119%
Dietary Fiber 82.80g	296%
Total Sugars 32.20g
Protein 127.90g	256%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 925mg	71%
Iron 29mg	160%
Potassium 8877mg	189%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.3%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 57.4%