When the temperature changes in mid to late fall I cook soups and stews for my family. One of my favorite evening meal soups is Navy Bean made with fresh vegetables, ham steak and served with warm in-the-oven French Baguette loaf of bread This hearty soup is packed with nutrients that will fuel my family, providing them energy for their evening chores and will help to fight off colds and flu.
When it comes to making this soup I have no rules on what vegetables to use. Normally I prepare this soup with leeks, potatoes, celery, and carrots. I will peel, chop and cook the vegetables together in a large pot of low-sodium chicken broth. When the vegetables are cooked I will add the navy beans, fresh herbs, and two sprigs of rosemary tied together and dropped into the soup pot. I will season the soup with a freshly grated peppercorn medley by McCormick, and a clove of freshly chopped garlic. When all of the seasonings are added I will then add the chopped ham steak or chicken sausage to the soup and stir well and allow the soup to simmer for another 30 minutes.
I like to serve a bowl of this navy bean and vegetable soup with warm in-the-oven banquette bread topped with herb-whipped butter spread. You can garnish the bowl of soup with grated Parmesan cheese and diced chives.
A large bowl of navy bean soup usually fills my family up to the point that they do not want dessert or a before-bed snack. I like making a pot of soup because there are always leftovers for lunch or after-school snacks the following day.
Here are some other recipes for Navy Bean soup.