Well-Seasoned Cookbook

flavorful recipes perfected over time

Navy Bean Soup

Quick-cooking dried beans do not require overnight soaking. Some people, however, believe even those are better for soaking. Others prefer the old fashioned type. If you prefer to soak beans, measure the amount of water specified in the recipe. Leave the beans in it overnight. Next morning add the remaining ingredients. No draining is necessary. 2 cups beans = 1 lb.

Place together in kettle:

2 cups navy beans

3 qt cold water

1 ham bone or small shank end of ham

1 large onion, minced

Add:

2 stalks celery, chopped fine

1/2 tsp. sugar

Bring slowly to boiling point. Cover and simmer 4 to 5 hours until beans are tender and the liquid partially cooked down. For smooth soup, rub through a coarse sieve. Some prefer leaving some beans whole. Skim off excess fat.

Thicken if desired, with:

3 tbsp. butter

3 tbsp. flour

Dilute as desired with additional milk or water. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes about 8 servings.