When the weather turns chilly or you're craving a comforting, home-cooked meal, there's nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup. The Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is a perfect solution that combines convenience with rich, savory flavors. This recipe is packed with protein-rich navy beans, tender ham, and a medley of vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any day.
Why You’ll Love It
This soup is more than just a meal—it's a comfort food staple that you'll keep coming back to. Here’s why:
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of sautéed vegetables, fresh garlic, and spices like thyme and paprika creates a deeply aromatic and savory soup.
- Easy and Convenient: Using an Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile: Whether you're serving it as a main dish or pairing it with crusty bread or cornbread, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating a well-balanced, hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dry Navy Beans: These mild, creamy beans are perfect for soups.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor when sautéing vegetables.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, savory depth.
- Celery Stalks: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fresh Garlic: Infuses the soup with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Offers a flavorful base while allowing control over salt content.
- Water: Ensures proper liquid for cooking.
- Dried Thyme and Paprika: Complement the other ingredients with subtle earthy and warm notes.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Add acidity and sweetness.
- Bay Leaves: Enhance the soup’s herbal depth.
- Ham Shank or Ham Hock: Adds smoky, savory depth. Alternatively, cooked ham can be used for tender bites.
How to Make Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Making this soup is incredibly simple, thanks to the efficiency of the Instant Pot. Here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Sauté Vegetables: Start by sautéing the chopped onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil until softened.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in fresh garlic, thyme, and paprika for added flavor.
- Layer the Beans and Broth: Add the dry navy beans and cover them with broth and water.
- Add Ham: Place a ham hock or bone in the pot for extra flavor. Once cooked, remove and shred the ham.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for the recommended time.
- Shred and Serve: Return the shredded ham to the pot and serve hot.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Protein Alternatives: If you don’t have ham, try using bacon, pancetta, smoked sausage, or leftover turkey or chicken.
- Bean Alternatives: If you don’t have navy beans, use great northern, cannellini, or pinto beans instead.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or spinach for texture and nutrients.
- Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, red peppers, and kale or spinach at the end.
- Spicy Twist: Include jalapeño or red pepper flakes during sautéing for a spicy kick.
Storage Tips
The flavors of this soup deepen over time, making it perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Cool the soup completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 4–5 days.
- Freeze: Cool and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Rinse and Sort Beans: Remove any debris before adding to the pot.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step—it enhances the vegetable and garlic flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: Follow the order to ensure even cooking.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best aroma and taste, use freshly chopped garlic.
- Natural Pressure Release: Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes to allow the beans to become tender.
FAQs
Do I need to soak the dry beans?
No, soaking isn’t necessary when using the Instant Pot. However, you can soak them overnight if desired.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, use 3–4 cans of drained and rinsed navy beans. Reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes on high pressure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for a cozy meal, the Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is a versatile and delicious choice. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and customizable options, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
