Navy beans are small, creamy white beans that cook into tender, flavorful dishes perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles. Simmered with vegetables, herbs, and broth, they create a hearty and protein-rich meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Naturally high in fiber and packed with plant-based protein, navy beans are a budget-friendly staple that works well in vegetarian or meat-based recipes. Enjoy navy beans with crusty bread or as a side dish for a healthy, filling addition to any meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This navy beans
- They’re packed with protein, making them a fantastic meat alternative.
- Rich in fiber, they support digestive health and keep you feeling full.
- Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, they boost your overall well-being.
- Versatile and easy to incorporate into various dishes, from soups to salads.
- Low in fat and calories, they fit perfectly into any healthy eating plan.
navy beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by draining and rinsing your soaked navy beans. This helps remove any impurities and makes them ready for cooking.
- In a pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up and get ready to sauté some delicious veggies!
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed navy beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Mix everything together and let the flavors mingle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beans are tender.
- Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious navy beans!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to prepare a delicious navy bean dish!
- 1 cup dried navy beans – soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 medium onion – diced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 carrots – sliced
- 2 celery stalks – sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth – for flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds herby flavor
- 1 bay leaf – for aroma
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley – for garnish
How to Make Navy Beans
Get ready to enjoy a warm and hearty dish! This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time, and a little extra time for soaking the beans. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Drain and Rinse
Start by draining and rinsing your soaked beans. This helps remove any impurities and makes them ready for cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up and get ready to sauté some delicious veggies!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Broth
Stir in the rinsed beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Mix everything together and let the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beans are tender.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 90 minutes |
| Extra Time | 8 minutes (soaking) |
| Total Time | 108 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh parsley garnish! |
Pro Tips for Making navy beans
- Soak the beans overnight for a creamier texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Add a bay leaf during cooking for a subtle aroma.
- Season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.
- Cook in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach and rich taste.
How to Serve
- Serve the beans in a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
- Mix cooked navy beans into a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado.
- Use them as a filling for tacos, topped with salsa and avocado.
- Blend them into a creamy dip with garlic and lemon for a tasty appetizer.
- Incorporate the beans into a stir-fry with colorful veggies and soy sauce.
- Top baked sweet potatoes with seasoned navy beans and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying navy beans later is easy and convenient:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the beans to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the navy beans completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen navy beans in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth for moisture.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is there another name for navy beans?
Yes, navy beans are also known as haricot beans or pea beans. They are small, oval-shaped, and have a mild flavor, making them a popular choice in various dishes, especially in soups and stews.
2. Are navy beans the healthiest bean?
Navy beans are indeed one of the healthiest beans available. They are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate and magnesium. Their high fiber content can aid digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
3. Are navy beans and northern beans the same?
Navy beans and northern beans are not the same, although they are similar. Navy beans are smaller and rounder, while northern beans are larger and have a more elongated shape. Both are nutritious and can be used interchangeably in many recipes, but they may have slight differences in texture and cooking time.
4. What are navy beans called in Ireland?
In Ireland, navy beans are commonly referred to as “white beans”. They are used in various traditional dishes and are appreciated for their versatility and nutritional benefits, just like in other parts of the world.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—navy beans are not just nutritious but also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re whipping up a cozy soup or a hearty salad, these little gems are sure to bring warmth to your table. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of cooking with navy beans, and let their delightful flavor take you back to cherished family meals. Happy cooking!